Injured monkey in Sitakunda shifted to CVASU for advanced treatment
On 26 August, the monkey sustained severe injuries from an electric pole shock
The injured monkey in Sitakunda, which suffered a serious electric shock, has been shifted to Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) for advanced treatment.
The animal was rescued around 4:30 pm on Monday (4 September), led by the Sitakunda Upazila livestock officer in collaboration with the Chattogram Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department.
Following advanced medical care, the monkey will be returned to the wildlife conservation department and eventually released into its natural habitat at an appropriate time, said Dipannita Bhattacharya, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation officer of the Chattogram Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department.
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Local sources said around 15 days ago, an elderly male monkey was found roaming the upazila health complex and nearby areas.
On 26 August, the monkey sustained severe injuries from an electric pole shock.
Locals said they attempted initial treatment but were unsuccessful. It disappeared for several days but reappeared at the Upazila Health Complex on Saturday, exhibiting signs of distress.
Dr Nuruddin Rashed, a physician at the health complex, said, "I found the monkey sitting on the balcony of the hospital, when I was about to leave work on Saturday afternoon, and dressed its wounds."
The next day (3 September), the monkey showed up at the hospital again, said the doctor who then bandaged its wounds, reports the UNB.
"The monkey seemed to be in pain and some of the wounds had started to rot. This could have happened due to electric shock from sitting on power lines," he said, adding, "I wanted to know the whereabouts of the monkey when I joined the office today. The monkey was seen sitting on a branch of a tree by the hospital."
Concerned about the severity of the wounds, Upazila Animal Resources Officer Dr Tahmina Arju, upazila was informed, who then arrived at the hospital with a team of doctors. With the assistance of health complex workers and local youth, they provided initial first aid. However, due to the extent of the injuries, advanced treatment was required.
The monkey was later sent to the CVASU for treatment.
Dr Tahmina Arju said her team attempted to provide treatment. As it was challenging to grab hold of the monkey, it was not possible to administer effective care without anesthesia.
Later, he was safely transported to CVASU this afternoon with the support of the wildlife and nature conservation department.
Dipannita Bhattacharya said their team rescued the monkey from Sitakunda Upazila in the afternoon and brought it to the port city.
"The monkey's injuries were yet to be fully assessed. However, it is clear that the electric shock caused significant harm."
