11/06/2018

Monkey 'Clipped By Car' In North Belfast Dies

A male spider monkey, which escaped from Belfast Zoo on Saturday, 09 June, has died after being struck by a car.

He was "clipped by a car" on the M2 in north Belfast.

The monkey was being tracked by zoo keepers.

A spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating how the escape occurred from the monkey island on which the animals are kept.

"The monkey was being tracked by keepers when the accident occurred and despite being quickly taken back to the Zoo for veterinary assistance died shortly afterwards."

Alliance Councillor Michael Long said: "Belfast City Council has a duty of care to look after all the animals at Belfast Zoo.

"Therefore, a review of security in relation to the housing of animals at the zoo needs carried out urgently, particularly as monkeys have previously escaped from there in the past few years.

"Belfast Zoo carries out good work in terms of conservation and taking part in breeding programmes to help protect many species but it is not good enough to have animals escaping and unfortunately subsequently killed."

(CD/MH)

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