KATHMANDU, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation has expressed objection to export rhesus monkeys to the United States, The Himalayan Times reported on Tuesday.

    According to the daily, Shyam Bajimaya, director-general of the department, briefed the Supreme Court (SC) in writing on the contentious issue of the export of monkeys to the U.S.

    The department categorically stated that it did not permit any individual or institution to export the monkeys to the U.S.

    The explanation was in response to a show cause notice, which was recently issued by the SC.

    The U.S.-based South West Foundation for Bio-medical Research Center had sought permission to export 200 simians for its bio-scientific research.

    According to Bajimaya, the department has been examining 25 monkeys that are being housed in Nepal Bio-medical Research Center.

    Earlier, the government had given its nod to export the monkeys.

    Taking exception to the move, a Public Interest Litigation was filed by a group of wildlife conservation activists in the SC on Jan. 21, seeking the apex court's intervention in the matter. They claimed that the government's decision was illegal.