In a collaborative effort involving government officials and wildlife experts, a significant initiative took place on May 16, 2024, at Suan Monkey, Pho Kao Ton Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District. Acting Second Lieutenant Songphon Pankaew, Deputy Governor of Lopburi Province, alongside Mr. Sittichai Lorprasongsuk, Member of the House of Representatives, District 1, Lopburi, and Mr. Chamroen Salacheep, Mayor of Lopburi, joined forces with Veterinarian Phatthaphon Manee-on (Dr. Lot), Head of the Wildlife Health Management Group Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with representatives from various government and related agencies. Together, they oversaw the release of monkeys into designated enclosures as part of a strategic initiative aimed at managing the monkey population in the area.
The operation involved the capture and transfer of monkeys to nursery cages in Pho Nine Trees, Muang District, Lopburi Province, for evaluation and testing. Originally targeting 25 monkeys, the team successfully caught 27, comprising 24 males and 3 females. Upon examination, it was discovered that while 24 monkeys had been neutered, 3 remained unaltered. To address this, National Park Service personnel promptly performed sterilization procedures and applied identifying marks to the monkeys before placing them in the nursery cages.
Upon release into the enclosure, the monkeys exhibited swift movements, indicating their eagerness to explore their new environment. Equipped with various amenities such as trapeze facilities, caves, ponds, and clean drinking water, the enclosure provided a conducive environment for the monkeys to thrive. Over the next seven days, the 27 monkeys will be under close observation by staff from the National Park and Municipal Parks Department. This period will also serve to assess the functionality of the enclosures, including sewer, electrical, and hygiene systems.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand the initiative by establishing larger enclosures capable of accommodating 200-300 monkeys. This expansion aims to foster harmonious coexistence between the residents of Lopburi and its monkey population, ensuring sustainable living conditions for both parties. As officials and stakeholders work together towards this goal, the welfare of the monkeys and the community remains a top priority.
