An unprecedented event unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday when a sacred baboon managed to escape from the Sancti Spíritus zoo, prompting an extensive mobilization that saw the involvement of special forces, Ministry of the Interior (Minint) agents, and veterinary specialists.
The operation was successfully wrapped up after a four-hour coordinated search, as reported by Radio Sancti Spíritus.
The escapee, named Victor, is an adult Papio hamadryas, renowned for its strength and remarkable intellect.
Tahimí Meneses Venegas, the zoo's director, explained that the animal broke the lock on his cage, a feat he had achieved previously but had never attempted to escape before. "Victor is very observant. He used to break the lock but stayed inside, showing us he could do it. This time, he decided to leave," Meneses stated.
Upon noticing Victor's absence, an emergency protocol was initiated, which involved evacuating the adjacent area and alerting local authorities.
Security Concerns Raised by Baboon Escape
The nearby neighborhood, densely populated and bordering the zoo, was placed under surveillance. "Zoos shouldn't have neighbors so close, but that's the situation here," acknowledged the director, emphasizing the urgent need to reassess the security conditions of the premises.
When the initial teams located Victor, he was perched silently on an outer bathroom wall in the nearby village. "He was calm, breathing, as if calculating," Meneses described.
At this juncture, combined forces from the Minint and the zoo's veterinarian, who attempted to sedate him with tranquilizer darts, intervened. After three unsuccessful shots, a fourth dart partially sedated him, allowing a safe approach.
The Role of Trust in Capturing Victor
Adalberto Piloto Cepero, a veterinary technician from Villa Clara who had cared for Victor for three years, arrived at the scene. "When I got there, Minint members and zoo staff were trying to capture him. I spoke to him, and he immediately calmed down," Piloto recounted.
Piloto emphasized the importance of their bond in preventing a potential tragedy: "For how aggressive his species is, he's always been gentle with me. He recognizes me."
This connection was crucial. As Victor was soothed by his caretaker's voice, the rescuers managed to secure him with a net without the need for force, safely returning him to his enclosure.
The rescue operation, lasting over four hours, concluded without human or animal injuries, an outcome authorities hailed as exemplary given the species' inherent danger.
Reinforcing Zoo Security Measures
In response to the incident, the zoo's management announced immediate enhancements to security, including fortified locks and protective covers to prevent damage from weather and animal tampering. "This isn't just for Victor; it will safeguard all species," Meneses assured.
The Papio hamadryas, also known as the sacred baboon, hails from the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Known for their hierarchical social structures, these baboons exhibit significant strength and dominant temperaments.
At the Sancti Spíritus zoo, Victor is the only carnivorous primate, necessitating stringent handling protocols. "His grandfather once bit a child, leading to an amputation," the director recalled. "That's why we maintain consistent caretakers for each animal," she emphasized.
The incident also reignited discussions about the zoo's proximity to the La Ford neighborhood, an old settlement built adjacent to the facilities. The constant noise, traffic, and now a primate escape, highlight the need to improve coexistence between the captive wildlife and the community.
Victor is now back in his enclosure, stable and under watchful eyes. His brief nighttime escapade has become an unforgettable tale in Sancti Spíritus—a reminder that even in captivity, nature seeks its path.
Remarkably, this is not the first such incident in Cuba. In 2024, images surfaced online of a monkey escaping from the Caibarién zoo in Villa Clara, involving Red Berets from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and dogs. That same month, a monkey escaped from Havana Zoo on Vedado's 26th Avenue, causing similar chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Baboon Escape
Why did the baboon escape from the zoo?
Victor, the baboon, managed to break the lock on his cage, a skill he had demonstrated before without attempting to escape. This time, he decided to leave his enclosure.
What measures are being taken to prevent future escapes?
The zoo is reinforcing security by upgrading locks and adding protective covers to prevent weather and animal interference, ensuring the safety of all species.
How was Victor captured without harm?
Victor was calmed by his caretaker's voice, allowing rescuers to safely secure him with a net without using force, ensuring no injuries occurred during the capture.