The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says two of three monkeys that were on the loose in the Stony Hill area of St Andrew have been captured.
The Agency, along with personnel from the Veterinary Services Division, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Hope Zoo and the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reportedly set traps to capture the three monkeys following reports of sightings and various social media posts on Monday.
The team has identified the species of monkey as the white-faced capuchin.
NEPA says the captured monkeys are now in the care of the Veterinary Services Division and the Hope Zoo.
It says it’s hoping the monkey that is still at large will soon be captured.
The monkeys are to be quarantined upon capture while a decision is made about the next course of action.
The white-faced capuchin monkey is non-native to Jamaica and, as such, they need to be contained as they are a potential threat to the island’s ecosystems and its agricultural industry as well as to public health.
NEPA is advising the public to not attempt to capture the animal if they come in contact with it.
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