Capuchin on the lam, keepers fear monkey business

The Ramat Gan Safari on Monday appealed to the public for help in locating an escaped monkey that swung out of the wildlife park on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Conner, a 17-year-old wedge-capped capuchin monkey, poses no threat to the public, the safari said in a statement. Although Conner is not dangerous, safari officials said they were worried the public might be a danger to the monkey and urged people to be cautious if they see him.

Capuchin monkeys live in South America and can cover large distances as they swing between tall trees in the forests. Weighing about three kilograms (6.65 pounds), the wedge-cappeds get their name from a black triangle of dark fur on their heads.

Keepers asked that anyone who finds Conner not approach the monkey or make a commotion as that might scare him away. Rather, they said, finders should avoid making any loud noises and contact the safari at 03-6305325.

As escapees from the wildlife park go, Conner is on the small end of the scale. In March 2016 Tibor, a three-ton white rhinoceros sauntered out of a park exit gate. He was safely returned.

A year earlier, three rhinos plodded out of a side gate, then spent a few minutes gazing at alarmed joggers before safari director Yehuda Bar herded them back inside.