- Captured Simian Encountered in Lake Constance's Waterbody
A nimble primate from the Affenberg Salem has caused some commotion in the Lake Constance area. Following a night of freedom, the male was captured in an apple tree near a campsite, according to park director Roland Hilgartner, who spoke to the German Press Agency. On Friday morning, the creature was sighted in Uhldingen-Mühlhofen within the Bodenseekreis, close to the B31 federal road. Hilgartner considered this incident a record during his 17 years in office, stating, "No monkey has ever gone this far before."
It's not typical for a Barbary macaque to venture beyond the park's boundaries, but it can happen if a tree falls on the fence during a storm, Hilgartner explained. In this instance, Hilgartner presumes that the unidentified escapee utilized a tiny opening between the tree crowns inside and outside the enclosure to leap over. "If they're somewhat agile, they can make that jump," he said.
The fence is crafted to prevent escapes, but the monkeys can re-enter from the outside. Additionally, they often return, as the drive to stay within their tight-knit group in their familiar environment is strong, Hilgartner noted. However, he estimated that the monkey could have thrived outside the Affenberg during this time of year, with an abundance of edible vegetation and insects. Plus, the plant life and fauna on both sides of the fence are similar. "Perhaps he'll find a few apples in the orchards," Hilgartner added, pointing out that additional feed would only be required during the winter months.
Barbary macaques, originally hailing from the mountainous areas of Morocco and Algeria, are categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Globally, their populations total fewer than 8,000 individuals. At the Affenberg, approximately 200 of these primates reside on a 20-hectare wooded area, mimicking their natural habitat. Visitors are permitted to walk through the enclosure and interact with the monkeys.
On Friday, police and Affenberg workers attempted to entice the young monkey down from the tree with food, but it scampered off into a larger wooded area. On Saturday, witnesses reported seeing it and informed Hilgartner.
The park director's curiosity was piqued by the monkey's unprecedented journey beyond the park's borders. Despite the fence's design to prevent escapes, the monkey's agility allowed it to find an unlikely escape route.
