Over 200 Animals Escape from Shelter
Nearby Residents Carry Slingshots When Going Out
Food Shortage Due to Decline in Tourists
In a city in Thailand, a commotion broke out as about 200 monkeys escaped from their cages and raided a police station and nearby homes. On the 18th (local time), local media including the Bangkok Post reported that on the night of the 16th, over 200 monkeys escaped from a cage at an animal shelter in Lopburi city, Lopburi province in central Thailand, and invaded nearby residences and the police station. The police hurriedly closed all doors and windows of the police station building to prevent the monkeys from running wild inside.
In a city in Thailand, about 200 monkeys escaped from their enclosure, causing a commotion by raiding a police station and nearby homes. On the 18th (local time), local media such as the Bangkok Post and Khaosod reported that on the night of the 16th, over 200 monkeys escaped from an animal shelter in Lopburi City, Lopburi Province, in central Thailand, and invaded nearby residences and the police station. AP Yonhap News Photo by AP
Lopburi city became a tourist attraction in the past, known for thousands of monkeys living alongside people. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a halt in tourism, the monkeys faced food shortages, leading to an increase in cases where they invaded residential areas or attacked residents in search of food. According to foreign media reports, nearby residents have even barred their homes with iron bars and carry slingshots when going out to chase away the monkeys.
The monkeys, once a city symbol, have recently become a nuisance by snatching food, mobile phones, and other belongings from residents, or by splitting into two groups of hundreds and fighting in the city center. As a result, authorities began capturing groups of monkeys this year, sending them to shelters and performing sterilization procedures.
These monkeys were also captured in groups and housed in animal shelters to reduce their population. However, the monkeys shook the old and dilapidated cages, which had been in place for 5 to 6 years, creating gaps and escaping. Most of the escaped monkeys did not go far and were searching for food and water nearby. At a nearby temple that offers fresh vegetables and fruits to the monkeys every Sunday, about 40 monkeys came and were captured after food was laid out the day before. Another group of monkeys returned to the cages while searching for food nearby, and about 60 monkeys have been recaptured so far.
The city authorities are repairing the broken cages at the shelter and setting up traps with food in various locations to catch the monkeys. They have also requested the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to dispatch staff to help capture the monkeys. The department expects it will take several days to capture all the escaped monkeys due to their large number.
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