Charlie, the wild capuchin monkey, is on the loose in Ireland after escaping from a sanctuary.

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by patrick riley

A monkey rescued from a British lab more than 20 years ago is wandering through the Irish wilderness after escaping from a sanctuary, but authorities have warned people not to get too close to it.

The capuchin monkey, named Charlie, escaped from the island at the Rathdrum Irish Monkey Sanctuary, about 60 miles south of Dublin, earlier this month, The Irish Times reported.

Charlie’s owner, Willie Heffernan, told the newspaper that he believed the South American monkey would be able to survive in the Irish woods he had taken refuge in, but was worried he would be hit by a car.

But Mr Heffernan warned that if anyone came across Charlie, it was best not to approach him.

“He won’t attack unless you try to pick him up,” he told The Irish Times. “He’ll bite you, he’ll bite you, he’s like a stray cat.

“He’s not a pet. He’s never been petted, so he’s not used to it,” he continued. “We put food in pulley buckets and carry it overhead to the island. That’s our only means of communication.” [he has]. We will then clean the animal and determine if it requires veterinary treatment. ”

Heffernan said Charlie escaped into a fallen tree as sanctuary staff were working to remove him and another monkey. According to the Irish Times, the reserve is home to 25 monkeys, most of whom were rescued from research labs and are now free to fly among the trees after spending their entire lives in cages. That’s what it means.

Although Ireland’s climate is very different from that of capuchin monkeys, they live comfortably during the winter in insulated enclosures with heating lamps and sometimes enjoy classical music played on the radio.

Heffernan said the area where Charlies fled “couldn’t be more natural”, adding that built-up areas were likely to be avoided.

“The only regret is that he didn’t notice the traffic and he looks like a cat so he could easily be killed while crossing the road,” he said. “And it’s also hunting season, and he likes to sit on trees without leaves, so he’s a prime target.”