However, it was later discovered that Milo had already been taken to Khao Phra Thaew mountain by zoo staff.
Officials learned about Milo after an online petition gained more than 5,000 signatures in less than two weeks has highlighted the plight of 13-year-old orangutan Milo, housed at the zoo. (See story here)
Speaking to The Phuket News, Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Office in Thalang Piyawat Sukon said that although he was not able to attend the inspection today, he had ordered to his team to specifically search for Milo.
“I was unable to attend the inspection today because I had to organise some work with the 5th Area Office of the Department of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. However, I ordered my colleagues to look for the orangutan but they did not find her.
“We have learned that the orangutan has been taken to the national park and we will start looking for her tomorrow (Feb 20). I am sure she will be there somewhere,” he said.
“The area around the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) will be the first place to check because there is water nearby,” he added.
Speaking about Milo, Suriya Tanthaweewong, a member of the Board of Directors of Phuket Zoo Co Ltd said, “I have no idea where the orangutan is now. It was released at Khao Phra Thaew mountain. Zoo staff released the orangutan somewhere, but I have no idea when or where it was released.”
Meanwhile, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division in Phuket were also present at the zoo today to carry out a general inspection of the facility.
It’s chief official Buncha Parnpradub told The Phuket News, “We are here for a regular check of the zoo. I know nothing about any orangutan being here.
“The main purpose for us being here is to recheck the animal list only, nothing else. We are not looking for any specific animal in the zoo,” he said.
“We have come down to check the elephants and all the zoo’s permits, which we have yet to conclude,” he added.
Speaking about this issue, Mr Suriya said, “Today is only an inspection, it’s their general duty to do this. I am not worried about it.”