A monkey rescued from a British laboratory more than 20 years ago is swinging through the Irish wilderness after escaping from a sanctuary — but don’t get too close, officials warn.
The capuchin monkey, named Charlie, was swept off his island at Monkey Sanctuary Ireland in Rathdrum, about 40 miles south of Dublin, earlier this month, The Irish Times reported.
Charlie’s owner, Willie Heffernan, told the newspaper that while he believed the South American monkey would be able to survive in the Irish forest where he escaped, he feared he could be hit by a car.
If anyone runs into Charlie, however, Heffernan has warned that they should stay away.
“He won’t attack unless you try and catch him,” he told The Irish Times. “He’ll bite you, he’ll bite you, he’s like a wild cat.
A Capuchin, Charlie, escaped from his sanctuary in Ireland earlier this month. AFP via Getty Images
Charlie was rescued from a laboratory in the United Kingdom 20 years ago. AFP via Getty Images
“He’s not a pet, he’s never been petted so he’s not used to that,” she continued. “I’ll put food in a pulley bucket and I’ll move it up to the island, that’s the only contact [he has]. And cleaning and if he needs veterinary care.”
Heffernan said Charlie escaped onto a fallen tree while staff at the sanctuary were working to move him and another monkey. The sanctuary is home to 25 monkeys, many of whom have been rescued from laboratories and are now free to swing through the trees after a lifetime in cages, according to The Irish Times.
Although the climate in Ireland is very different from the Capuchins’ native climate, they live comfortably in an insulated enclosure complete with heat lamps during the winter and can even enjoy classical music played on the radio.
“You can’t get any more wilderness” in the area where Charlies fled, Heffernan said, adding that he probably avoided built-up areas.
“The only unfortunate thing is that he is not aware of the traffic and he looks like a cat so he is easily killed when crossing the road,” he said. “And it’s also hunting season and he likes to sit on leafless trees so he’s a prime target.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
