Forestry officials released about 100 monkeys caged in Tanuku Town, West Godavari District, into the forests. The released monkeys were in good health, officials said.
After public complaints that monkeys were attacking them and harassing the city and the surrounding area, local authorities reportedly caught the animals and kept them in cages. They arranged staff to take care of the animals.
However, members of the animal care and rescue team took the matter to the attention of the West Godavari District Collector and Ministry of Forestry authorities, who took action on Thursday. Animal rescue team members argued that monkeys would die from lack of food and water if they were caged and urged officials to release them immediately.
The forest and community officials, along with the vet, visited the monkeys in the Kommai Cheruvu Gattu area where they were being kept. A veterinarian said all animals are in good health, said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO-Wildlife Management) C. Selvam.
“The monkeys were brought to Dubacherla in vehicles and released into nearby forests. Monkey threats exist in some areas. The public can drive them away, but they shouldn’t hold and torture the animals, ”Selvam said.