A woman named Mongkol Plus found a macaque near Bangkok, Thailand with an arrow between his eyes.
The macaque was still alive and Plus tried to capture him and get him help. The monkey wasn’t easy to catch and ended up jumping into a lake.
Tom Taylor, the assistant director for Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), joined in to help rescue the macaque.
WFFT, according to their website, works to rescue confined wild animals and restore their heath.
They also campaign against all forms of animal exploitation and abuse, provide veterinary assistance to any injured animal, and educate the local people about protecting wildlife.
Plus named the monkey Rocket once they finally captured him and took him to an emergency vet.
Taylor reported that the skull nearly hit Rocket’s brain and vertebral column – if it had, it would have certainly killed him.
The vet was able to remove the arrow and Rocket is recovering nicely!
According to Taylor, macaques are often shot in Thailand’s big cities because they are seen as pests.
One other issue Rocket faces is that he is overweight.
Urban macaques are often fed human food – which isn’t what they should be eating.
But, the people think they are helping the animals – the reality is that human food does more harm than good.
Rocket will spend a few more weeks recovering at a WFFT-run rehabilitation center before being released.
Taylor was happy to report that Rocket has a good appetite and shouldn’t have any long-term issues!
Share away, people.
