IPOH, Dec 21 — A herd of 38 monkeys was found dead from suspected poisoning at an old quarry near Bukit Larut, Taiping this morning.

A member of Persatuan Kepolisan Komuniti Aulong Taiping Perak spotted the carcasses and reported it to the authorities today.

The monkeys were believed to be long-tailed macaques.

Taiping Zoo & Night Safari director Dr Kevin Lazarus said they sent veterinarians to the spot after they were informed of the discovery

"Our veterinarians rushed to spot and discovered 38 carcasses of monkey. We believe the monkeys were poisoned at a different place and dumped at the quarry.

"We suspected the monkeys were poisoned as there were no external injuries on the animal.

"We have taken samples from the monkeys and send it to the laboratory for testing,” he told Malay Mail when contacted.

He also said this was the first incident of such a scale in Taiping

Dr Kevin said they also reported the incident to the Wildlife and National Parks Department for further action.