Police in Que Phong Commune coordinated with local authorities and forest rangers to release the female monkey after completing legal procedures and conducting health checks.
The monkey, weighing about 2 kilogrammes and measuring roughly 35 centimetres in length, was found to be in stable condition before being returned to its natural habitat.
The animal had earlier wandered into the garden of a local resident, who captured and cared for it before notifying authorities and handing it over on May 13.
The red-faced monkey, scientifically known as Macaca arctoides, is classified as a rare and endangered species under Vietnam’s wildlife protection regulations and is listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the IUCN Red List.
Authorities said the resident’s voluntary handover reflected growing public awareness of wildlife protection and contributed to biodiversity conservation efforts in the province.
They added that timely rescue, care and release of wild animals played an important role in preserving ecosystems and protecting endangered species.
