Seriously Injured Pregnant Macaque Rescued

Yesterday we received a call about a seriously injured female long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in a coastal area in Phetachburi. She had fallen from a tree into the muddy water under a mangrove forest in which she lives. A villager found her unable to breath with her face under the water and rescued her, he then took her home, washed and fed her then called us to help. Upon arrival it seems she has a deformed spine caused by an old injury and possibly some nerve damage. She was rushed to a local hospital for an x-ray; this confirmed the vet teams suspicion that she has a deformed spine, to our surprise the x-ray revealed that she is carrying a baby. She was then taken to the WFFT Wildlife Hospital for further treatment.

The long-tailed macaque is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, occurrence in a number of protected areas. Although it is under heavy hunting pressure for the pet trade, meat, sport and trophies, this is not considered a major threat to the species overall. Females are often taken into breeding facilities and males are exported internationally primarily for use in laboratory research. They are regularly persecuted as pests. Habitat loss is also a localised threat, but the species can persist in a variety of habitats and very adaptable.

She is currently receiving round the clock intensive care at the WFFT Wildlife Hospital. She is eating and drinking well, and is able to grasp some things with her hands. Her future is currently uncertain but we will do everything in our power to try and save this special soul and her baby. We will keep you posted on her progress.