Here, again, is the old dilemma of what to do with Bua Noi the gorilla.
The issue has come up again as kind-hearted people joined a campaign on change.org aimed at rehousing the 28-year-old primate, who has been confined, alone, in a cage on the top floor of Pata department store since 1988.
This time, the "free the gorilla" campaign is spearheaded by Sinjira Apaitan. It has received support from some 35,000 people who signed up with the hope of a better life for Bua Noi.
The signatures were handed to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation during a meeting on Wednesday, but there was little progress made.
The DNP officials merely said they agreed that the gorilla would have to come down from Pata's rooftop and live in a more appropriate habitat.
That is too broad a conclusion. It doesn't say when or where Bua Noi will be moved. Even though DNP officials said moving her from the roof is a condition of extending the zoo licence next year, to the dismay of many, the DNP has already extended the zoo's licence.
But in the end, the final say rests with the DNP director-general.
How Bua Noi will be moved is also an important issue.
The whole saga indicates that the law and law enforcement cannot help Bua Noi much. Pata's owner acquired Bua Noi, then two years old, when conservation was almost a non-issue in this country, so Bua Noi is more or less a pet by law. Technically speaking, she is no longer a wild animal.
We have to admit that Bua Noi has been tamed and it is not possible to untame her now. That's another reason why finding a new home for her will be a tough job.
In fact, while Bua Noi may be physically healthy in the rooftop zoo (as she has been there since she was two years old and has never had a serious illnesses), psychologically, she must be as healthy as any other animal in captivity. The main concern of the activists' campaign is about her safety in case of fire as she would not be able to escape. Nor would other creatures in captivity.
DNP officials appear to be suggesting that Pata's owner should create a facility in Nonthaburi to relocate Bua Noi and the rest of the zoo. Yet, the department store's owner is reluctant to accept this course of action.
First, it would involve a huge sum of money and the owner might not be able to invest more. And, unless he is lying, changing the environment for Bua Noi could put her health at risk as she could be at risk from an unfamiliar habitat.
But this does not mean it's impossible to rehouse her.
If those involved are sincere about tackling the issue, then instead of showing reluctance, they should not confine themselves to choosing either the rooftop area or the facility in Nonthaburi. Instead, they must open themselves up to other options.
Perhaps, an open zoo operated by the state is a possibility.
Among potential places to rehouse Bua Noi is Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. If this is agreed on, those involved could begin building common ground, explore what needs to be done and begin from there.
Otherwise, we will not go very far and in a few years this dilemma will come back to haunt us again.
As the activists refuse to give up, the open zoo option becomes more likely and I hope DNP officials and Pata's owner take note.
To proceed means more negotiations, bargaining and allowing other parties to get involved where necessary. If money is an issue, public donations could be the answer, as I believe members of the public are more than willing to pitch in to the Free Bua Noi campaign.
The point is, we cannot help the gorilla if those involved are trapped by legal technicalities and do nothing. We need to do away with this old mentality if we are to move on.
After all, Bua Noi is a living creature and we must treat her as one.
Ploenpote Atthakor is Deputy Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post.