Ho Chi Minh City rangers capture 9kg long-tailed macaque causing trouble in residential area

The sub-department said on Wednesday that its rangers worked with local authorities and residents to search for and capture the macaque after it had repeatedly appeared in the ward.

After spotting the macaque, the rangers approached it from a distance of more than 10 meters and used a tranquilizer dart to tranquilize and capture it.

The animal was identified as a long-tailed macaque, scientifically known as Macaca fascicularis, and weighed more than nine kilograms.

The sub-department said the long-tailed macaque is included in Group IIB of Vietnam's list of endangered, precious and rare forest plants and animals under a circular issued in 2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The animal was taken to the sub-department for care and handling in accordance with regulations.

According to residents, the monkey had frequently climbed and jumped across rooftops, making loud noises and entering homes to rummage for food.

Many families with young children had kept their doors and windows closed out of fear that the monkey could rush into their homes and attack the children.

B.H., a local resident, said the monkey had been roaming around the neighborhood for about two months, according to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

“It goes around the rows of houses looking for food," H. said. 

"If a household forgets to close a window, it jumps right inside. 

"The other day, it got into my house, tore open several boxes of milk and packets of candy, and scattered them all over the floor.

“We have children, so everyone is constantly worried and has to keep the doors and windows closed all day."

Following the capture of the long-tailed macaque, the sub-department advised residents to notify local authorities or relevant agencies if they spot monkeys or other wild animals in their homes or residential areas so that the animals could be handled properly.