Bangkok Post – 73 monkeys captured in Lop Buri

Nearly 73 monkeys were captured on the first day of the operation to eliminate troublesome primates from Lop Buri town, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

The operation was to be carried out from yesterday to Tuesday, under the leadership of DNP Deputy Director General Veera Kunchairuk. More than 50 officials participated.

The DNP set up cages in front of the Asia Hotel, from the Seng Heng store to the Yongsawat gold store and the building next to Ratchanusorn Park.

To help reduce the local population, around 200 to 300 monkeys are expected to be captured in this area.

All captured monkeys will be sterilized before being taken to Lop Buri Monkey Park in Tambon Pho Khao Ton, Mueang district.

The first batch of 27 animals captured in early May and later transferred to the monkey park showed a reduction in aggressive behavior thanks to improved food, officials said.

The DNP will expand its operations at Manohra Mall, where nearly 500 monkeys have been spotted.

A large cage will be built to house these monkeys at the Khao Somphot wildlife sanctuary in the province’s Chai Badan district, Mr Veera said.