Nearly 100 Long-Tailed Macaques Escape in Lopburi, Thailand, Prompting Capture Operation

Nearly 100 long-tailed macaque monkeys escaped from a city animal nursery in Lopburi, central Thailand, early in the morning through a breach later discovered in the enclosure fence. Authorities have launched an extensive operation to capture the monkeys before they cause damage across the city. The mayor of Lopburi ordered the police and other agencies to act swiftly to locate the escaped animals. Lopburi is known for its annual "Monkey Buffet Festival" and was once home to thousands of free-roaming macaques. In 2024, Thai authorities mandated the capture of about 2,500 macaques to relocate them to enclosed facilities following several incidents of aggressive behavior by the monkeys while searching for food. Officials confirmed that the damaged fence has been repaired and plans are underway to install a double, more secure fencing system to prevent future escapes.