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In another crackdown on animal abuse Animal Welfare Officers and Forest Department jointly rescued a Rhesus Macaque from a factory EMDET Engineers Private Limited in Bhosari Industrial area.

A tip off was received by PFA’s New Dehli office from certain informers that a Baboon has been kept in an Industry. The pictures were blurry and were close to  the endangered ape, so the information was sent to the  National Wildlife Crime Bureau. On basis of which Manoj Oswal, AWO from AWBI visited the factory undercover to ascertain the species of animal.

It was later confirmed to be a Rhesus Macaque… an animal protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Accordingly a joint operation was planned with the Range Forest Office of Bhamurda.

A team of 8 forest officers lead by the Range Forest Officer conducted a raid at the said factory. The said macaque was a full grown male and showing serious symptoms of Zoochosis and had swollen genitals due to lack of partner and continuous masturbation.

On seeing the team of officers the care taker of the animal opened the gate of the cage letting the animal escape out.

A team from PCMC which include Dr Satish Gore and wildlife expert Anil Khaire visited the spot and after some efforts and cajoling the animal was sedated and taken the PCMC Zoo.

The owner of the factory Mr Mittar is reportedly absconding and has not been contactable. The forest department questioned Mr Patil, Assistant Gen Manager of the company. The animal has been temporarily held at the quarantine ward of the Zoo and vaccination and medical checks are being conducted on the animal. It is still being determined whether the animal is fit for release in wild or has lost its instinct to survive in the wild.