Monkey Hospital opens in Lop Buri.

(From Bangkok Post)

Thailand's first hospital for monkeys was opened yesterday in Lop Buri Zoo to treat ill and injured monkeys, control epidemics, and keep track of monkey business.

Lop Buri has more than 1,000 monkeys, most of whom are taking sanctuary in the compound of the Phra Karn Shrine. Many have become victims of road accidents, electrocution and communicable diseases. They even eat plastic bags left by tourists if they have to.

Yesterday's ceremony to open the Monkey Hospital in Lop Buri Zoo began at 10.30am and was presided over by privy councillor Gen Surayudh Chulanont on behalf of His Majesty the King.

Veterinarian Juthamas Supanam said the hospital was established with the aim of treating ill monkeys, curb death tolls, keep statistics about monkeys' illnesses, control epidemics, and put sick animals in quarantine.

The hospital's veterinarians would have to work out treatment, vaccination and anti-parasite programmes for monkeys, and operate on them if they have to, she said.

"About five monkeys are brought in for medical treatment every day. Most were involved in accidents. They were either hit by vehicles or trains, electrocuted, or bitten by dogs. Most came from Phra Karn Shrine. They had been registered with micro chips," she said.