By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — An infant macaque discovered alone in Meinong (美濃) late last month is now under care at Shoushan Zoo (壽山動物園), where staff say the animal is stable and feeding normally.
The male monkey, believed to be under one month old, was found on Feb. 28 with no mother in sight. Residents notified the Kaohsiung City Government Agriculture Bureau (高雄市政府農業局), which arranged for the animal’s transfer to the zoo’s wildlife rescue center. Initial veterinary checks indicated the umbilical cord had only recently detached, and no visible external injuries were found. Officials say the infant may have been abandoned or separated due to maternal inexperience.
Zookeepers are currently hand-raising the macaque, providing milk feedings, heat lamps, and soft materials for comfort. Staff have also placed a small stuffed toy and blanket in the enclosure to help reduce stress and provide tactile security, a method commonly used in wildlife rehabilitation settings. Observations indicate normal appetite and activity levels.
Zoo Director Chuang Hsuan-chih (莊絢智) said the animal will likely remain in care for at least one year, during which time staff will focus on socialization and behavioral development. A final decision on release will be made in coordination with the Agriculture Bureau after evaluating the monkey’s ability to reintegrate into a wild troop and assessing suitable habitat conditions. The wildlife rescue center is not open to the public.
Officials reminded residents that if they encounter a seemingly abandoned infant monkey in the wild, they should not immediately intervene. Mothers may temporarily leave their young while foraging, and human interference can disrupt natural behavior. Authorities recommend observing from a distance and contacting the Agriculture Bureau for professional assessment.
Source: China Times
