Over 200 monkeys escape from nursery in Thailand, invade police station

A field day for the monkeys.

Natalie Ong

November 18, 2024, 07:35 PM

Earlier this month, Mykel the colobus monkey made headlines in Singapore after he was found in Choa Chu Kang, having escaped Mandai Wildlife Reserves for approximately six months.

In Thailand, a similar case occurred on Nov. 17 — just at a slightly different scale.

Over 200 monkeys escaped from their cage at the Pho Khao Ton Monkey Nursery in Lop Buri, central Thailand, reported The Bangkok Post on Nov. 17.

And where did they go?

Apart from wandering the streets and climbing on people's homes, the curious creatures on the run decided to venture into an unlikely space: the police station.

Police officers at the Tha Hin police station had to "hurriedly close all doors and windows" upon the influx of macaques, reported Khao Sod English.

"We’ve had to make sure doors and windows are closed to prevent them from entering the building for food," shared police captain Somchai Seedee with AFP.

Most monkeys rescued

According to The Bangkok Post, the police found that the cage holding the monkeys "could not withstand the force of monkeys rocking the structure".

Khao Sod English added that the old netting lining the enclosure, which was built approximately five to six years prior, was another factor that had led to the monkeys' escape.

The enclosure has since been repaired.

While most of the 200 monkeys have been rescued, there are still a few gallivanting around and enjoying their freedom.

The National Parks Department has placed food in their enclosure with the hopes of enticing the monkeys back into the nursery, shared Khao Sod English.

Officers have also been deployed to capture the remaining monkeys.

This is not the first time monkeys have caused mayhem in Lop Buri.

A special police unit was formed earlier in March to address the issue of aggressive macaques in the vicinity, reported The Bangkok Post.