Concerns Grow Over Fate of Cambodian Monkeys

A British animal protection organization has raised alarms over the possible relocation of monkeys from Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple to breeding farms that supply laboratories with primates for testing. Action for Primates (AfP) expressed serious concerns about the welfare of these monkeys after the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries announced plans to carry out a census of the primates in public areas. Aggressive monkeys identified during the census may be relocated to breeding farms, natural habitats, or the Phnom Tamao Zoo.

This move comes amid growing concern over the treatment of the monkeys, with disturbing videos online showing the animals being mistreated for internet content. Some of these videos, which depict cruel acts like baby monkeys being doused with water or juvenile macaques being abused on camera, have sparked outrage. Although such behavior is not allowed, authorities find it challenging to stop the exploitation.

Long Kosal, deputy director general of the Apsara National Authority, which oversees the Angkor site, urged content creators to stop abusing the monkeys. He acknowledged the difficulty in preventing these actions but stressed the need for strong reasons to discourage such content.

Nick Marx, director of wildlife rescue and care for the Wildlife Alliance, emphasized that public demand for these videos is fueling the abuse. He stated that if viewers stopped consuming this kind of content, it would greatly reduce the problem.

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