Thieves have abducted two black monkeys endemic to Sri Lanka who were receiving treatment at the Bellanwila Attidiya Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. (Sri Lanka Latest News)
These black monkeys, which are included in the first 25 animal species of the Red Data Book under threat of extinction in the world, are a subspecies of monkeys found only in Kalutara and Gampaha districts of Colombo, western province of Sri Lanka.
The black monkey, which has been designated as a protected animal, is strictly prohibited even in domestication according to the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance No. 49 of 1993.
A complaint has been received in this regard by the Mt. Police, and Mr Madhava Mihira Kumbukage, wildlife site assistant of the centre has filed the complaint.
The police say that the complaint states that the theft was committed between the night of the ninth day and 03.30 am on Saturday.
The police say that it has now been revealed that two persons came into the cage where the monkeys are kept to steal the baby monkeys and that they came in a car.
If they have any information about the suspects, members of the public are requested to contact the wildlife emergency number 1992 or the rehabilitation center at 011-3604147.
