Captured Baboon to Stay in Quarantine For Two Weeks

Now that the baboon that is believed to have made her way from Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson to Howell has been captured, the park will now focus its attention on how the animal escaped and her health going forward.

The baboon, a two-year-old adolescent was brought back to the park in what spokesperson Kristin Siebeneicher described as "good condition," on Saturday. Unlike most of the baboons her age that live in the safari, the one that escaped was not microchipped, but Siebeneicher said they were confident it came from the popular tourist attraction. 

Over the next two weeks the baboon will remain in quarantine to make sure she is healthy enough to join the other animals on the safari. Siebeneicher said that the area where the baboons roam did not appear to have any holes in the fence but steps are already being taken to ensure no further problems. That includes installing electrical fences in the area as well as a security camera to prevent any further escapes. She also said a more thorough counting of the baboons is being done to make sure they are all accounted for on a regular basis.

The escape of the baboon is only the second time an animal has gotten away from the facility since it opened its gates to the public on July 4, 1974. Siebeneicher said a decade ago the fence in the African Plains part of the safari was cut with enough room for some of the African antelopes to escape. Much like with the more recent occurrence, all the animals were safely brought back where they belong.

As the investigation into the escape continues Siebeneicher said Six Flags Great Adventure will continue to work to ensure that both the animals and the people who come to see them remain safe. "The well being of our animals and the safety of the community are a top priority to us," she said. "As we work closely with the USDA and the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, we will continue to see ways to improve our facility, and will implement whatever additional measures are appropriate." The two governmental departments are charged with regulating and inspecting the safari facility.

After a few days on the run and a search that stretched from Ocean into Monmouth County, the baboon was finally captured in the area of Fairfield Road and Merrick Road by animal control officers from the park. 

While the investigation continues and the animal continues to receive treatment in quarantine, Siebeneicher said both the safari and the theme park nearby are operating under normal conditions.