A rare monkey is safely back in his enclosure at Fota Wildlife Park after a daring escape attempt this afternoon.
The park’s animal rangers swung into action after male Roloway monkey, Valentino, broke free from his island habitat, chasing him through the park on golf buggies.
In a statement, the park said he was kept “constantly under observation” during his brief sortie and was “quickly coaxed into a secure holding pen.”
“At no time was he in danger, or a threat to any visitors or members of the public,” it said.
Great day in Fota Island so far.
Just been asked to hang here for a while as a monkey has escaped from its enclosure to go for a wee walk 😅
Efforts to catch her underway 🐒 pic.twitter.com/Ezt5GOloNF
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) August 11, 2020
The Roloway species is extremely rare and is classed as one of the most critically endangered primates in Africa.
It is indigenous to Ghana and the Ivory Coast and is notable for its white chest and throat on black body. It also has a “distinctive white goat-like beard and bright white fur on the brow-line.”
