Lemur escapes Artis Zoo, crosses multiple streets and tram line in Amsterdam
A red ruffed lemur escaped from Artis Zoo on Friday afternoon. The animal was found about 1.5 hours later in a tree at Alexanderkade after crossing several streets, including Sarphatistraat, where trams operate. Zoo staff used tranquilizer darts to bring the animal down the tree at around 2:30 p.m.
The lemur, a member of the maki family, was first seen at about 12:30 p.m. by bystanders in a tree near Alexanderkade. Emergency services were then alerted. Artis animal caretakers arrived soon afterward with police, Het Parool reported.
The lemur stayed roughly 6 meters up in the tree and did not come down on its own. Staff decided to use tranquilizer darts to safely recover it.
“It was not possible to simply remove the animal from the tree with a ladder truck,” said Artis team leader Maartje de Vries. “A red ruffed lemur is not used to that, so it might get frightened and run away.”
De Vries said the animal covered a considerable distance after escaping. It crossed Sarphatistraat, where trams run. “That must have been incredibly stressful,” she told Het Parool.
For safety, caretakers placed cloths beneath the tree in case the sedated animal fell from the 6-meter height.
The cause of the escape is still unclear. De Vries said all red ruffed lemurs were present earlier in the day. However, the zoo was quiet due to hot weather, which may have delayed detection. It is also possible the animal was startled. The zoo said it is too early to assess the security of the enclosure.
The lemur will undergo a medical check before being returned to its enclosure a few blocks away. Despite the incident, caretakers said the animal appears to be in good condition.
