A Texas research facility team successfully recovers four baboons. The monkeys escaped from the research center that studies complex human diseases with the help of primates.
Four Baboons Escape From Primate Research Center
On April 14, four baboons escaped from the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Evidently, the baboons got out of their enclosure and even got past the security perimeters surrounding the facility.
A team from the facility managed to catch three of the baboons within 20 to 30 minutes, but not before the baboons had given them a rather difficult time. According to a witness who was able to take photos of the baboons as they ran around, the workers had been wearing masks and cautious when they attempted to gather the creatures so as not to hurt them. She further stated that at one point, the baboon paused but then darted into the bushes, causing a bit of a commotion among the workers.
The fourth baboon eventually returned to the enclosure on its own. According to the research facility, all baboons are accounted for and checked by veterinarians who confirmed that the creatures are all okay. The institute states that the public has nothing to worry about.
"Our immediate concern has been for the safety of the animals, personnel and our neighbors in the surrounding area. Our animal capture team and entire animal care team acted diligently to locate, secure and account for all four baboons," the Texas Biomedical Research Institute said in a statement.
Biomedical Research Institute
The Southwest National Primate Research Institute is a part of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute and is home to about 2,900 primates including baboons, chimpanzees, marmosets, and other non-human primate species.
All of the primates in the facility are cared for by licensed veterinarians, and most of them stay in enclosures with indoor heating and outdoor facilities that simulate their natural habitats.
The facility receives regular inspections by the United States Department of Agriculture to review and ensure animal care and treatment.
