Zoo workers capture mischievous macaque, eventually

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Bangkok Post

14 June 2002

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/14Jun2002_news19.html

 

WILDLIFE

Zoo workers capture mischievous macaque, eventually

Pattanapong Hirunnard

 

An aggressive monkey which wreaked havoc on a small community for two days

was finally captured yesterday, Dusit zoo officials said.

 

The seven-year-old male macaque's anti-social behaviour became a topic of

discussion on Ruam Duay Chuay Kan community radio on Wednesday.

 

The residents in tambon Klong Bang Pla Kod in Phra Samut Chedi district

called the station and asked for help.

 

The monkey barged into their houses and stole food and any other items that

grabbed his attention, and attacked anyone trying to catch him, they said.

 

Dusit zoo sent a 15-strong team led by Somchart Luanklinhom to catch the

animal. Their first attempt, on Wednesday, failed when the monkey refused to

drink milk laced with sedatives.

 

The animal showed up again yesterday afternoon, and after causing an

electrical short circuit and getting a shock was subdued with a

tranquilliser dart.

 

Mr Somchart said the monkey had apparently been well-trained. It used straws

when drinking and knew how to unwrap food packages.

 

The macaque was taken to Dusit zoo for care and attention.

 

The short circuit caused a power blackout at a 50-room welfare apartment

lasting several hours.