Hunt for escaped monkey takes to the air as zoo enlists mountain rescue drone

The hunt for an escaped monkey has taken to the skies as experts enlist drones to help locate the animal as it roams the Highlands.

The Japanese macaque remains on the loose in Kincraig after it broke out of the Highland Wildlife Park on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the zoo confirmed that it had received reports of a sighting on Tuesday morning.

As the search enters its third day, the Park announced it had enlisted the help of two drones, one of which was supplied by Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team.

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Escaped monkey enjoys snack on bird feeder

A number of videos have been shared on social media featuring the monkey, one of which shows him enjoying a snack on a bird feeder.

A spokesperson for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) warned members of the public not to approach the animal and instead contact the organisation with any information.

On Tuesday, Keith Gilchrist, living collections operations manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “There has been a sighting of the macaque this morning, which we are currently responding to.

“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.

“Although the macaque is not presumed dangerous to humans or pets, our advice is to not approach him but to contact our hotline on 07933928377 with any sightings.”