Baboon Captured in Howell Taken For Evaluation

After several days on the run, a baboon that escaped from Six Flags Great Adventure was captured in Howell on Saturday afternoon.

The Howell Township Police Department confirmed that the animal was caught by animal control officers from the park in the area of Fairfield Road and Merrick Road. The Breaking News Network reported sightings of the baboon in the Georgia Road and Jackson Mills Road area of Freehold Township Saturday morning.

According to Kristin Siebeneicher, a spokesperson for Six Flags Great Adventure, the staff at the park got word at 2:40 p.m. Saturday that what was described as a "adolescent baboon," was found in Howell. 

Siebeneicher said at that point staff from the park was able to tranquilize the animal and bring it back to the park "for a physical exam and health assessment." As of 4 p.m. officials at the park were unable to confirm that it was from there, but she said, "it seems likely that it is one of the Safari's baboons."

As a result of the incident, Siebeneicher said steps are being taken to ensure there are no further problems. "The safety of our animals and community are extremely important to us," she said. "We are conducting a thorough review of our facility and procedures, and will make any changes necessary so that our animals continue to remain inside the safari."

The capture of the animal came not long after an email to residents from Township Manager Helene Schlegel said the Office of Emergency Management had gotten reports of residents spotting the animal in the Adelphia section of town. This comes after the first reported sightings of the animal came from Jackson yesterday.

A follow up email from Schlegel said the baboon "has been safely and harmlessly captured."