Macaque at MacRitchie had collar on neck to track its movements, has been rescued: Acres

A macaque spotted along the MacRitchie Trail last Monday (Sep 10) with a collar around its neck has since been rescued, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) told Stomp in response to queries.

Stomper Naem said his workers came across the animal along the trail, near The Singapore Island Country Club, at around 6pm.

It had caught the attention of some hikers in the area too, he added.

Naem told Stomp on Sunday (Sep 16): "The monkey seemed to be in some distress and approached the men, but macaques in the wild don't usually do that.

"Its neck looked raw from the collar."

Naem said his workers gave the monkey some water and left at around 7pm, adding: "I have no idea what that thing on its neck is but I’m guessing it’s some location tag."

A video that he sent to Stomp shows the creature clutching at its neck and touching the collar.

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In response to a Stomp query on Monday (Sep 17), Acres' deputy chief executive officer, Mr Kalai Vanan, said the organisation is aware of this macaque.

Mr Kalai added: "He was collared to track his movements as we (Acres and NParks) are trying to better understand his behaviour.

"He has since been rescued and is undergoing treatment."