The interest expressed by your correspondents Ana Lee, JoAnne Law (letters, South China Morning Post, June 3) and Michael Foong (Post, June 5) on the case of a seized monkey is appreciated.
We are sympathetic to Chan Yat-biu and mindful of his feelings in this case. However, we must also consider the other factors and facts of the case in taking the difficult decision not to return the monkey to Mr Chan. Wild animals such as monkeys are not suitable to be kept as pets, particularly in such a densely populated urban environment as Hong Kong. The behaviour of wild animals is unpredictable, posing a risk. They could disturb or injure the keeper or his neighbours. In fact, the seizure was a result of a complaint made to us.
Mr Chan claimed he had kept the monkey for more than 10 years, but, in fact, it is only about three years of age.
It is a wild animal and it needs attachment to its kind to learn the skill of survival.
The animal is now living in our animal management centre and is in the company of an adult female which is taking good care of the monkey and teaching it the various skills of a normal monkey.
Our observations indicate that it is adapting well to the present environment and has developed a close bond with the adult female.