[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Primates

Submitted by Amelia Wang

Primates and humans share a bond closer than we would like to think. The bonobo and chimpanzee are among our closest relatives when it comes to genetic similarities. The Long-tailed Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis), also known as the crab-eating macaque, is the most frequently spotted primate in Thailand. They are intelligent and easily trainable and unfortunately the victims of animal exploitation.

Coconut farming

Coconut farming is a widespread practice across Thailand, some arguing that it forms part of the long-standing culture of the country. In particular, pig-tailed macaques have been favoured over other species for this specific job. Trained from a tender young age, these macaques scale coconut trees, tightly tethered to their owners or a nearby post, and using their hands and legs, detach the coconuts. These monkeys work extremely long hours to harvest coconuts for their owners on a daily basis, with well-trained monkey’s able to collect a few hundred coconuts in a single day. Unfortunately, given the nature and duration of work these animals are required to complete, many faint from the stress and exhaustion of tedious labour.

The practice of using monkeys to harvest coconuts is not limited to Thailand but also common in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. There are some sources which seem to suggest up to 99 % of the coconuts in Asia are harvested by macaques [1] but in reality the figures suggest a much lower figure.[2] Unwanted “coconut monkeys” who refuse to abide by the biddings of their owners are sometimes subjected to callous punishment, often serving as negative reinforcement to ensure unwanted behaviour is suppressed. Other macaques who are deemed too old, disobedient or worthless, are abandoned at various temples around South East Asia, or abandoned and left to fend for themselves in forested areas. [3]

Primates in Performance

Chimpanzees and Orangutan are also not spared from controversial practices either, snatched from their mothers at birth and subjected to a lifetime of captive slavery. These primates are forced to perform a series of tricks in live shows, where they jump through a ring covered in spikes and knives, spin flaming sticks, ride bicycles, do sit-ups, lift mini barbells and dunk basketballs[4]. They are clad by their “handlers”, in eye-catching clothes, caked in over-the-top makeup and compelled to make a spectacle of themselves in front of audiences willing to pay money to see these animals perform. Sadly, the opportunity to derive an income from the abuse and humiliation of these animals outweighs any welfare or compassion for them.

The humiliation does not stop at acrobatic and circus tricks, orangutan Muay Thai boxing has recently become a popular tourist attraction which has stirred up a significant amount of controversy and outrage with animal activists around the world. Male orangutans are made to physically combat with each other in a boxing ring while female orangutans are dressed in bikinis, playing their part as round card girls and bell ringers. Each fight in the ring lasts as long as 30 minutes, and every minute is cheered on by large paying crowds who find a masochistic pleasure from their battle. [5]

The last gorilla in Thailand

Not too far away inside a small private zoo tucked away inside an outdated department mall in the west of Bangkok sits Bua Noi (Little Lotus) the last gorilla of Thailand. The crestfallen female gorilla has been sitting in an enclosure for the past 28 years,[6] with any hope of freedom diminishing with each passing day. One can visit Bua Noi and other animals who are forced to exist in the compound after purchasing a ticket for 80 baht (approximately 20HKD). This zoo has further drawn controversy after a fire broke out recently in April due to poorly maintained area and old wires.[7] Fortunately, the fire was quickly put out, and no animals were harmed, but this served as a wake-up call for the owner and regulations to be amended. Animal rights activist, Sinjira Apaitan, leads the “Free Gorilla” campaign where she advocates and fights for the release of over 200 animals, including Bua Noi. [8] Her petition has garnered over the support of 35,000 signatures. Ms Sinjira’s motivation is based on the fact that animals should not be locked up in “such an unnatural habitat” and she hopes to “help all other animals being held captive in this high-rise zoo as well.”[9]

The photos and videos that emerge capturing these primates’ glum expressions coupled with soulless eyes tell the story of the excruciating hardships these animals have endured in order to profit off tourists. These broken-spirited animals are resigned to their fate as they lay sprawled on the floor after every performance, waiting to be rewarded with food or cigarettes. They live a life only to perform for tourists and know no other world but that of entertainment.

Stopping the demand

Primates are highly sociable and intelligent animals and require sufficient mental stimulation in order to strive naturally. A life of wildlife entertainment sadly inhibits any chance of normality, and these animals which are stripped away from their mothers at birth, are rendered at the mercy of their human handlers Reports have shown that thwarting their natural instincts can lead to detrimental effects on primates, expressed through self-mutilation, pacing in circles and rocking back and forth in distress. [10]

Astonishingly, the use of animals for labour and entertainment is not illegal under the operative legislation in Thailand – the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act, B.E. 2557 (2014), as well as many other countries.

As such, the greatest change to break the supply chain is through awareness of the unimaginable cruelty these animals suffer. Several travel agencies are now working on dropping all associations and partnerships with these unethical wildlife attractions, and as tourists, we too can do our part by proactively conducting research before supporting these businesses. What fuels these businesses afloat is the continuous monetary support from tourists who inadvertently support this trade by paying to watch and taking photos with these animals. Consider instead visiting responsibly run local animal sanctuaries such as the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), where the welfare of animals is paramount. Not only will you be able to support a good cause, but you are also able to help shine a light on truth behind wildlife tourism and help other animals entrapped to move closer to regaining their long-awaited freedom.

Courtesy of Amelia Wang.