In central Thailand, nearly 100 monkeys escaped from a government-run facility, roaming through local neighborhoods. This incident initiated a significant effort by authorities to recapture the animals.
The monkeys breached an enclosure at the Lopburi Municipality Animal Nursery. Originally under the care of local authorities and transferred from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, they managed to escape while workers ensured the containment of over 1,000 other monkeys.
To recapture the monkeys, provincial officials, wildlife authorities, and municipal workers combed nearby residential areas. They employed food-baited cages for some, while larger macaques required tranquilizer darts for safe capture. Meanwhile, crews repaired the enclosure.
Lopburi’s Governor, Weeraphong Ritrod, confirmed repairs and reinforcements were made to prevent future escapes. Plans for a more secure, double-layer enclosure are underway to restrict dominant monkeys’ ability to break free. Additionally, they are preparing a foundation to support food costs and improve monkey welfare.
The escape might have been motivated by hunger, high temperatures, overcrowding, or a natural urge to roam, according to Mayor Chamroen Salacheep. He issued an apology to affected residents and urged them to report any property damage for assessment and assistance.
Lopburi is known for its significant population of free-roaming macaques, which have occasionally caused property damage and aggressive incidents. Efforts to manage the population include sterilization programs and relocation to designated enclosures.
Fox News Digital endeavored to obtain comments from Lopburi Municipality and Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.