Overview
- Several Rhesus macaques that had been confiscated broke out of a temporary holding site in Witten, an escape that happened Wednesday, May 27, and left some animals still free the morning of May 28.
- Police and the fire service were briefly involved but said the macaques are highly intelligent and human‑shy and do not pose a danger to residents.
- Local reports, citing WDR, say the animals may have scraped mortar from a brick wall to get out, a detail that points to a security weakness in the temporary enclosure.
- Responders had trouble approaching the animals because they repeatedly fled when approached, and authorities say the custodians who brought the macaques to Witten are expected to handle recapture and onward transfer to zoos.
- Rhesus macaques are adaptable primates that live close to people in parts of Asia, so experts say humane, expert-led capture and stronger temporary housing will be needed to avoid repeat escapes.