Lopburi: The Department of National Parks, in collaboration with Lopburi Municipality, has embarked on a mission to recapture a large group of monkeys that escaped from a local wildlife sanctuary. The operation aims to return the monkeys to their cages within two days.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Adisak Phusitwongsanuyut, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 1, Saraburi Branch, reported that on November 16, 2024, around 200 monkeys broke free from the Lopburi Municipality Animal Shelter. The escaped monkeys were seen around the Tha Hin Police Station and nearby residential areas.

The Office of Natural Resources Conservation Area 1, Saraburi Branch, has coordinated with Lopburi Municipality to capture the monkeys. On November 18, a team led by Mr. Sutthiphong Kamtabtim, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, along with officers from Khao Somphot Wildlife Sanctuary and Lopburi Municipality, successfully captured 130 monkeys. They expect to recapture all the escaped monkeys with
in the next two days as the animals remain close to their familiar territory and caretakers.

Mr. Chamnan Salachip, Mayor of Lopburi Municipality, emphasized that the municipality maintains good care of the monkeys housed at the Lopburi Municipality Animal Nursery. Regular health and welfare checks are conducted in coordination with the National Park Department.

Looking ahead, Lopburi Municipality is constructing a larger animal nursery to improve living conditions and adequately manage the monkey population. The new facility is expected to be completed by June 2025, providing a more stable environment to address the monkey issue in Lopburi effectively.