Baboons used 55-gallon barrel to escape from San Antonio research facility, officials say

Witnesses were able to snap pictures of one of four baboons who escaped from a far West Side biomedical research facility Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2018. Witnesses were able to snap pictures of one of four baboons who escaped from a far West Side biomedical research facility Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2018. Photo: Courtesy Jannell Bouton Photo: Courtesy Jannell Bouton Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Baboons used 55-gallon barrel to escape from San Antonio research facility, officials say 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

Texas Biomedical Research Institute officials are making changes to their enclosure after four baboons briefly escaped from the facility on Saturday.

The animal care team determined the baboons rolled a 55-gallon barrel upright near a wall of their open-air enclosure, then climbed it, which allowed them to escape.

The enclosure was built nearly 40 years ago, according to a news release from the facility.

READ MORE: Baubles the bear dies at San Antonio Zoo after battle with heart disease

Three baboons were recovered within 30 minutes. Officials initially thought a fourth remained on the loose but after completing a head count of all the animals determined it had returned to the enclosure almost immediately.

The barrel was put in the enclosure because the animal team deemed it an enrichment tool that helped baboons mimic foraging behavior, according to the release. After the escape, the staff removed the barrel and will determine if any modifications can be made.

RELATED: Facility where baboons escaped studies Ebola virus

"This was truly a unique incident," said Lisa Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Communications. "We have been caring for research baboons for more than 50 years. We have nearly 1100 baboons on the property that date back eight generations."

The research institute houses more than 2,500 animals. Scientists conduct research on the animals to help develop new vaccines and medicines.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA