Monkey City Invasion | Monkeys trying to regain control of the streets of a Thai city invaded by monkeys

Lopburi is a city located in central Thailand virtually invaded Monkey. It is estimated that there are about 3,000 running around without stopping on streets, squares, monuments and even buildings and commercial areas. Moreover, the animals are far from being peaceful, They harass hikers and steal their food and belongings which they carry with them.

The situation has become untenable and hence, wildlife officials have submitted a proposal A plan to pacify the city, Who has been suffering from this condition for at least a decade.

The macaques roaming Lopburi are a symbol of local culture and a major tourist attraction. But after years of constant conflict with residents and visitors, and then Many failed attempts to control the population Among these animals, local residents and businesses have already reached the limit of their patience.

Monkeys often try to snatch food from people, Sometimes causes bruises and scratches According to the AP agency report, the incident occurred as a result of a quarrel.

Public outrage grew in March, when a woman suffered knee injuries after a monkey pulled her leg to steal food, and another man was knocked off his motorcycle by a hungry monkey.

Objective: Catch 2,500 monkeys

According to Atthapol Charoenshusan, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, officials are hopeful Capture about 2,500 urban monkeys and keep them in large enclosures Capable of this.

Meanwhile, a limited number of monkeys will remain loose in the city, he said.

“I don’t want humans to have to hurt monkeys, and I don’t want monkeys to have to hurt humans,” he told reporters during a press conference in Bangkok.

Public officials last month launched a Official monkey catching campaigngiving preference to the most aggressive alpha males. A few days later, dozens of animals were captured, most of which were placed in the care of wildlife officials from the neighboring province of Saraburi, while others were sent to the Lopburi Zoo.

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Contact of the Environment Section: Crisisclimatica@prensaiberica.es