Chimpanzee escapes a second time in Las Vegas neighborhood
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Another chimpanzee escape in Las Vegas. For the second time in a month CJ the chimp escapes. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The chimpanzee who survived an escape last month made another getaway in a northwest Las Vegas neighborhood on Saturday. This time, CJ the chimp was not returned to her owner.
Police and animal control officers swarmed the scene near Ann and Jones after reports came in at about 5:30 p.m. They quickly set up a perimeter to contain the animal and protect residents in the area.
CJ was eventually shot with a tranquilizer. She roamed for a few minutes before falling asleep. Sources say she was taken to another privately-owned property that is better suited for large exotic animals.
It was just last month that CJ and her companion, Buddy, went rogue in the same neighborhood. A police officer fatally shot Buddy when he reportedly approached a crowd of people that had gathered at the spectacle. CJ was tranquilized and returned to her enclosure.
Since then, plans were made to relocate CJ to a sanctuary in Bend, Oregon. Her owners were prepared to part with her in the coming weeks. Now, it's unclear whether the chimpanzee's second escape will impact the plan to move her.
The escapes bring to light Clark County's relatively lax regulations on exotic pet ownership. County documents show numerous neighborhoods where homeowners house exotic pets- from large cats to reptiles to primates.
Records show CJ's owners had the proper permits for keeping the chimpanzee.
County Commissioners and state legislators have discussed toughening the rules on exotic pet ownership in recent weeks. Yet with wild animals such an integral part of Las Vegas Strip entertainment, significant roadblocks could hinder new regulations from being passed.
Animal rights groups have strongly advocated for tougher rules that would prevent animals like CJ from being housed in small backyard enclosures.
Authorities say CJ's most recent escape remains under investigation. Pending the outcome, her owner could face charges.
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