Primate recaptured after escape

The animals were introduced to the park near Aviemore last July

A Japanese snow monkey has been recaptured after it escaped from the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore.

The incident comes just days after it emerged that three of the animals had already died there earlier this year.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said the primate escaped from its enclosure on Sunday but was recaptured nearby within an hour.

On Friday, it emerged that a monkey was killed by a rival in February. A second had to be put down and a third drowned.

The campaigning group Advocates for Animals said: "It is most concerning to learn that one of the snow monkeys managed to escape from the enclosure it was being kept in, both for the monkey's welfare and the potential threat to the public."

'Not harmed'

A spokesperson for the wildlife park said: "At no time were the public in any danger and the animal was not harmed."

The animals were introduced to the park at Kincraig last July.

The RZSS, which runs the site, said the deaths in February followed a struggle for dominance between the first group and a second, which was introduced later.

It said a third group has since been introduced and had settled down.

Advocates for Animals said the incidents highlighted why it was inappropriate to keep wild animals in captive conditions.

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