LAHORE: A rhesus monkey was confiscated by the district wildlife department staff on Monday from a Madari (monkey charmer), and transferred to Safari Zoo, Lahore.
Rhesus monkeys are mostly used by the monkey charmers as a begging tool, usually in the crowded places.
Black market price of a rhesus monkey varies from Rs10,000 to Rs20,000.
These monkeys are a protected species under the Punjab Wildlife Act and its use by the monkey charmers is strictly prohibited.
The maximum punishment for such an offence under the recently amended law is Rs5 million fine and seven-year imprisonment.
Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025