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Neustrelitz (dpa / mv) - The Barbary apes escaped from the Neustrelitz zoo (Mecklenburg Lake District) have returned to the zoo, but have yet to be captured.

As the head of the facility, Constanze Köbing, said on Monday, a total of 5 of the 18 animals had disappeared from the monkey enclosure.

First there was talk of three males.

They are said to have been followed by two females.

The reason for the flight a few days before the reopening is, according to the zoo keepers, primarily battles for rank in the pride of monkeys, which occur every spring.

The zoo is scheduled to reopen on March 8th.

The Barbary ape enclosure is open to visitors when the zoo is open.

It is secured with a high fence with power lines running along it.

"If the monkeys are afraid of their fellows, the electric shock is less important," said Köbing.

The tall trees in the enclosure are also secured with power lines below.

If the apes, which are around three to four years old, reach the treetops, they could get through the other trees into the zoo and neighboring parts of the city.

"Another reason will be the fresh buds on the plants," suspected Köbing.

Zoo keepers are now trying to lure the five runaways into the enclosure using food, where the animals are to be isolated from the rest of the pack.

"This is the only way we can get the tension out of the group."

They also have contact with the stud book keeper in Barcelona in order to be able to give monkeys to other institutions.

But that is complicated.

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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210301-99-637159 / 2