Three macaques were saved by wildlife protection workers in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, from a company's iron cage, Shenyang Evening News reports.

The cage, only about 15 cubic meters, was put at the door of a company in Heping District in Shenyang and three macaques were found living in it.

Local wildlife protection workers investigated the case and found that the three macaques were being raised by a company worker surnamed Sun.

Sun said that eight months ago his friend at the zoo of Benxi in Liaoning Province asked for his help in feeding a pair of macaques.

He said he liked animals very much and had taken very good care of them. Two months ago, the couple also bore a baby.

However, it is illegal for residents who have no permit to raise wild animals in China. So the three macaques were brought to a wild animal protection station from the company.

(China Daily August 3, 2004)