Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Keepers search for escaped macaque in Scotland
The Japanese macaque, also known as a snow monkey, was one of a troop of 37 at Highland Wildlife Park.
The Japanese macaque escaped its enclosure on 28 January.

Keepers from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) are searching for a Japanese macaque, following its escape from Highland Wildlife Park.

The wildlife park discovered the monkey had escaped from its enclosure on 28 January, after a local reported a sighting in the village of Kincraig.

RZSS’ keepers were soon dispatched to the village, where they have been patrolling the area for sightings of the macaque. They have also called on a thermal image drone contractor to aid in the search.

The macaque is not considered to be dangerous to humans and pets. Keepers have asked locals to bring food sources such as bird feeders and food waste bins inside, to encourage the monkey to return to the wildlife park for food.

The Japanese macaque, also known as a snow monkey, was one of a troop of 37 at Highland Wildlife Park.

It is believed to have fled the park in reaction to a fight breaking out in the macaque enclosure. Macaques are currently in their breeding season, which can cause tensions to run high as they fight over breeding rights.

The keepers suspect that the adrenaline will have pushed this macaque to flee and pass the enclosure’s perimeter fence.

Speaking today, Highland Wildlife Park living collections operations manager Keith Gilchrist said: “Throughout the day our expert team of animal keepers will be patrolling the local area using a variety of techniques to try and coax him in, as well as using our thermal image drone contractor to aid with the search. Cairngorms Mountain Rescue has also kindly offered to support with their thermal imaging drone.

“As with yesterday, we’re asking locals to please bring any obvious potential food sources like bird feeders or food waste inside, as we’re hopeful that the monkey will return to the park if he can’t find food elsewhere.”

RZSS has asked that the public do not approach the macaque, but contact them on 07933 928377 or comms@rzss.org.uk with any information.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.