Baby monkey, put up for sale in Mirpur, rescued from Savar

A baby monkey, which was captured and put up for sale at an animal market in Dhaka's Mirpur, was rescued yesterday (15 June) from Savar.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan ordered the animal's rescue after the matter was brought to the ministry's attention through a report published recently by Prothom Alo, reads a ministry press statement issued today (16 June).

"As per the adviser's instructions, the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department launched an investigation and search operation. The investigation revealed that a baby monkey was brought for sale at the bird market in Mirpur-1 and was later taken by a person in Savar. After conducting a two-day operation, the baby monkey was rescued from a house in Savar yesterday," it reads.

The rescued baby monkey is currently under the care of WCCU for treatment and close observation. "After recovery, the baby monkey will be released into its natural environment."

Calling for awareness, the ministry notes that such activities are punishable under the Wildlife (Conservation and Protection) Act, 2012. 

Meanwhile, a farmer found a baby Asian palm civet, which had strayed from the group, in a jute field in Joka village of Mohammadpur upazila of Magura.

The rescued baby Asian palm civet. Photo: Courtesy

Later, one Rezwan Islam collected the baby from the farmer and contacted the Forest Department.

The Forest Department today rescued the baby and brought it to the Magura SFNTC under the Social Forest Department of Jashore.

"The baby animal is currently in a weak condition but is being given the necessary care. Once it recovers, it will be released into the wild," reads the ministry's press statement.