Overview
- Luka, a young male Japanese macaque, slipped out of his enclosure and was last seen near Balavil, prompting a search by park staff on Monday.
- RZSS deployed ground teams and a thermal-imaging drone while asking the public not to approach Luka and to report sightings to 0776 9165117.
- Park officials confirmed Luka returned to the Highland Wildlife Park of his own accord and the search was declared concluded the same evening.
- Veterinary and keeper teams are now assessing Luka’s health and behaviour to plan a careful reintroduction to his social group.
- RZSS cited macaque social dynamics—where males can be forced out during hierarchy shifts—and pointed to the 2024 Honshu escape and subsequent enclosure and management changes as background to the response.