- A primate residing on Lake Constance goes by the name Luke Lakewanderer.
The monkey that recently fled Lake Constance has a new moniker: Luke Lakewalker is now what they're calling the fugitive, who briefly break free from Salem Monkey Mountain last week. The name was given due to his preference for hanging out on a red beech with a lake view, as confirmed by the enclosure's PR rep on Instagram. "We hope Luke Lakewalker enjoyed his short vacation at breathtaking Lake Constance."
The cunning and agile primate, a 5-year-old male, successfully managed to escape from the confines using his climbing abilities, and has since been spotted in the area since last Friday. After a night on the run, he was tracked down nestled in an apple tree near a campsite.
As revealed by the PR rep from Salem Monkey Mountain, this year's tree growth was exceptional, with the branches of the trees within and outside the enclosure merging, providing an escape route for the adventurous primate.
Interestingly, Luke is attempting to switch social circles, a phenomenon observed in Barbary macaques as a means to avoid inbreeding. Instead of seeking fortune within, this escapee seems to be searching for it outside.
"Luke truly set records: No Barbary macaque has ever ventured this far from a monkey enclosure before." He has now reunited with his family and is in good health.
Originating from the rugged mountainous areas of Morocco and Algeria, the Barbary macaques are a critically endangered species with a global population estimated to be less than 8,000.
In Salem Monkey Mountain, around 200 of these grey-brown creatures thrive in a 20-hectare forest, closely mirroring their natural habitat. Visitors can stroll through the enclosure, providing a unique opportunity to interact with these captivating primates.
After his brief escape, the PR rep acknowledged Luke's desire for a change, suggesting, "Perhaps Luke needed a short leave from the enclosure to explore his surroundings." Upon his return, Luke was seen demonstrating new behaviors, potentially influenced by his excursion.
