Monkeys Escape Enclosure in Central Thailand, Prompting Large-Scale Recapture Effort

Nearly 100 monkeys were on the loose in central Thailand after escaping from a government-run enclosure. The incident occurred after the monkeys broke through a section of their enclosure at the Lopburi Municipality Animal Nursery. These animals were under local authorities’ care, having been transferred from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. Efforts were made to keep more than 1,000 other monkeys at the facility contained.

Following the escape, provincial officials, wildlife authorities, and municipal workers searched nearby neighborhoods. The capture effort involved using food-baited cages to entice some of the monkeys, while others required tranquilizer darts, particularly the larger dominant macaques.

The damaged enclosure has since been repaired, with plans to construct a more secure double-layer enclosure to prevent future escapes. Lopburi Governor Weeraphong Ritrod stated that a foundation would also be established to support food costs and enhance the monkeys’ welfare.

Lopburi is known for its large macaque population, which has caused issues for residents and businesses. To manage this, authorities have implemented sterilization programs and relocated some animals to designated enclosures.

Mayor Chamroen Salacheep suggested that hunger, extreme heat, overcrowding, or natural roaming instincts might have prompted the escape. He expressed apologies to affected residents and advised them to report any property damage for assessment and assistance. Officials have undertaken significant measures to control Lopburi’s macaque population, which has long been a source of disruption due to property damage and aggressive behavior.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Lopburi Municipality and Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation for comments but did not receive an immediate response.