Tue Nov 19 08:39:00 UTC 2024: ## Lopburi’s Monkey Mayhem Ends With Mass Sterilization and Capture
**Lopburi, Thailand** – The historic Thai city of Lopburi, once known as “Monkey City” for its large population of long-tailed macaques, has finally brought its primate problem under control. For the past four years, the roughly 3,000 monkeys, once a tourist attraction fed by locals, had become increasingly aggressive after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their usual food sources.
The macaques, previously viewed as symbols of good luck, turned unruly, raiding homes, stealing food and belongings, and even engaging in violent territorial disputes. Residents resorted to using slingshots for protection, while the monkeys’ brazen behavior caused accidents and instilled fear, particularly among children and the elderly. Some residents even installed metal bars on their homes to protect themselves.
In response to mounting complaints, authorities launched a comprehensive campaign this year, focusing on capturing and sterilizing the monkeys. By September, the government aimed to neuter all 3,000 primates, a goal that has seen significant progress with approximately 1,600 monkeys now in captivity. While the captured monkeys are currently housed in a designated area, concerns have been raised by animal rights groups regarding the suitability of their enclosures. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand urged the government to increase funding for improved care and facilities.
The drastic measures have brought a welcome calm to the streets of Lopburi. Local businesses report an improvement in trade, as customers are no longer deterred by the aggressive monkeys. While some residents celebrate the return of peace and quiet, others express concerns about the long-term impact on the city’s unique identity, tied to its monkey population. A compromise may be found in allowing controlled interaction with a smaller, managed group of monkeys, enabling tourism to continue while ensuring public safety.
First Piper 