Monkey returns to Highland Wildlife Park 'on his own accord' after going missing

A monkey that escaped his enclosure in the Highlands has now been found and returned home.

Luka the Japanese Macaque disappeared from the Highland Wildlife Park overnight and a frantic search took place today.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), who run the park, issued an appeal to find him earlier asking the public not to approach him if spotted.

However, Luka has now been found and is back in his habitat.

Staff "delighted" to have Luka back

Head of animal care at RZSS, Darren McGarry, says he'll now be checked over by staff before being introduced to his group.

He said: “The search has concluded successfully and Luka is safely back in our care.

"He will now be looked over by our keepers and veterinary team before being carefully reintroduced to his group.

“We want to thank everyone who has helped during the search particularly those who supported our teams.

"Luka arrived home on his own accord and we are delighted to have him safely back at the park.”

It's thought Luka may have been forced out of his group as primate group dynamics can be very complex.

This is not the first time a monkey has escaped from the Highland Wildlife Park, in 2024 Honshu the Japanese Macaque went missing for several days.

He was eventually found and later returned to the park before moving to Edinburgh Zoo.