For some reason, this week has become weird animal story week. Oh well, here’s one more:
The Straussberg Adventure Park in eastern Germany is famous for its Monkey Forest where about 80 or so monkeys and apes roam free in an enclosed sanctuary. Unfortunately, things are not as peaceful as they seem in the landscaped enclosure.
Cornelius, the 17 year old Alpha male Macaque, is one mean S.O.B. – and he likes to maintain his dominance by beating the crap out of younger males.
The situation got so bad that three of the younger monkeys couldn’t take it anymore. In desperation, they scaled the enclosure’s eight foot electric fence and headed for parts unknown.
Two of the escapees have been recaptured, and upon return to the zoo were immediately castrated!
"No, it was not a punishment!" insists Brigitte Dietzel, the zoo manager. "It's just a measure to calm them down. Without as many hormones, they are much calmer and they don't have as many problems with the other males."
The operation, she adds, is done by a veterinarian under anesthesia and is not painful for the monkeys. She says they are recovering happily and "do not seem depressed" about their fates.
Meanwhile, the third escapee, known as Paul, and his endangered anatomy remain at large in the miles of forest surrounding the monkey park. "The problem is that he has plenty to eat," says Dietzel. "He eats apples, wild berries, and he's very good at hiding."
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