Lopburi: Nearly 100 monkeys in Lopburi broke out of their cages and escaped, causing disturbances to villagers. It is believed they were hungry, cramped, hot, and longing for freedom. Authorities are urgently mobilizing resources to capture them and return them to their cages.
According to Thai News Agency, more than 100 monkeys, out of over 1,000 that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation had entrusted to the Lopburi Municipality to keep in cages, have broken out and are roaming on rooftops and rummaging through garbage for food.
Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Governor of Lopburi Province, along with the Deputy Governor, District Chiefs, Lopburi Municipality, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Lopburi Provincial Damrongtham Center, and the Lopburi Provincial Livestock Department, participated in a planning meeting with Mr. Chamroen Salachip, Mayor of Lopburi Municipality, to discuss the escaped monkeys. They received updates on the situation and commenced efforts to recapture the escaped monkeys and return them to their enclosures. Officials have been continuously capturing monkeys from various locations and have already successfully recaptured some of them.
Meanwhile, another team of officials is urgently repairing the damaged monkey cages to ensure they are sturdy and prevent further escapes. The Mayor of Lopburi revealed that regarding the cost of feeding the monkeys, the province is preparing to establish a foundation to oversee their food expenses and quality of life. Some of the escaped monkeys may have been hungry, cramped, hot, and yearning for freedom. However, the escaped monkeys will be recaptured and returned to their cages as quickly as possible to prevent further inconvenience to the public. Regarding compensation, the mayor apologizes to those affected and will survey the damage. Residents in any affected areas are requested to report the incident so that officials can provide assistance and compensation.