Chinese forestry officials have rescued 47 Wild Apes that were reportedly set to be butchered and sold as bush meat and medicine.

The animals were found in the trunk of a car, one of which was already dead. Around 28 of these animals are said to be slow lorises, which are often used for medicinal purposes. Reports say two suspects have been arrested and undergoing investigation.

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The forestry officials said they were stunned to find the wild apes stuffed in gauze sacks. The discovery was said to have happened last month at the Guangxi Zhuang province in the southern part of China.

The slow lorises are native to southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand. According to a research back in 2012 by Britain, Australia and Laos, dried slow lorises are common in Cambodian markets and that around 200 are spotted in these areas. However, the Cambodian authorities have only sequestered around 277 dried slow lorises from the year 2002 to 2009.

Slow lorises are commonly used as a stimulant for women after giving birth, and are also used for stomach-related problems, healing wounds and broken bones. It is even believed to treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Southeast Asian countries are one of the top offenders of trading bush meat, live animals and ornaments. China does not yet have animal welfare laws as creatures are openly sold at markets, although it is currently drafting its first law recognizing animal welfare.

According to United Nations magazine UN Chronicle, China and Vietnam are the countries that have the highest demands for the endangered species. 

TagsForestry police officials, wild apes, captured, boot of the car, bush meat, medicinal purposes, Vietnam, South east asia