Why 52 Baboons Escaped From a Paris Zoo Enclosure
Most of the baboons have been recaptured, but the escape is a reminder of just how cunning these monkeys are.
Headlines out of Paris had already been dramatic this week. The riverbanks of the Seine were overflowing, the Louvre shut down its lower floors to protect priceless art, and rats were swarming the streets in droves—and then came the baboons.
Fifty-two, to be exact, escaped from the Paris Zoological Park in the outskirts of the city. The zoo was evacuated and keepers deployed a rehearsed plan for just such an escape, which entailed deploying a large safety device, reports Le Parisien.
It took no less than 80 emergency responders, many armed with pop-up fences and tranquilizer guns.
By Friday afternoon, all except four of the baboons had been reportedly captured and returned to their enclosure. Zookeepers told the French outlet they have eyes on the remaining escapees and that they're in an area the public can't access.
Zookeepers still aren't sure how the monkeys escaped. A report by Newsweek notes that the monkeys' enclosure has artificial rocks, trees, and covered areas, but no roof.
If any animal was going to make headlines for clever antics, it's baboons.
The animals are smart and infamously opportunistic.
In 2011, several escaped from a wildlife park in Jackson, New Jersey. Residents reported seeing the monkeys in backyards and roaming through neighborhoods, before they were eventually captured.
In South Africa, baboons have been caught breaking into homes, raiding cars, and stealing groceries.
(Read more about South Africa's famed urban baboons.)
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports last November found many baboons regularly decided to forgo their wild environment for urban areas, where they could easily find more calorie-rich food.
Their sit-and-wait technique involved male baboons hovering around urban perimeters before foraying into the city.
At their most intimidating, troupes of baboons can number up to 100. The monkeys have incredibly complex social structures, and they're great at communicating with each other.
In fact, one of the techniques zookeepers used to corral the monkeys back into their pen was by taking advantage of the herd instinct that bonds them together. In a tweet, the zoo noted it was only a matter of time until remaining escaped monkeys returned to their group.
Earlier this month, a study published in the journal PLOS ONE found Guinea baboons can even make vowel-like sounds akin to human speech.
For now, Paris zookeepers will have to rely on more physical means of interacting with their deserters. The zoo is expected to remain on lockdown until at least Saturday.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- These are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and colorThese are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and color
- Why young scientists want you to care about 'scary' speciesWhy young scientists want you to care about 'scary' species
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
Environment
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
- This beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on NigeriaThis beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on Nigeria
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
History & Culture
- Scientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramidsScientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramids
- This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?
Science
- Why pickleball is so good for your body and your mindWhy pickleball is so good for your body and your mind
- Extreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at riskExtreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at risk
- Why dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a rewardWhy dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a reward
- What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?
- Oral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuriesOral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuries
- How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
- Science
How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
Travel
- How to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplingsHow to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplings
- The best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard ofThe best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard of
- Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- How to explore the highlights of Italy's dazzling Lake ComoHow to explore the highlights of Italy's dazzling Lake Como
- Going on a cruise? Here’s how to stay healthy onboardGoing on a cruise? Here’s how to stay healthy onboard