Police in Phu Tho's Mai Chau Commune said on January 28 they had persuaded a household in Noong Luong Hamlet to surrender the animal after learning it was being kept in captivity.
The macaque, scientifically known as Macaca mulatta, is listed under group IIB of Vietnam’s wildlife protection regulations, which covers wild animals subject to restricted exploitation and use.
Mai Chau Commune police coordinated with the local forest protection unit to explain legal provisions on wildlife protection to the family. Following the discussion, the household voluntarily handed over the animal to the Mai Chau Forest Protection Department.
After completing the necessary procedures, authorities released the macaque into its natural habitat.
Local police urged residents to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the protection of aquatic resources, and warned against illegal hunting, trading or keeping of wild animals, especially endangered and rare species.
