EXPOSED! South Korea’s Cruel Monkey School

Imagine this: a brightly lit stage, loud, energetic music and group of monkeys dressed as little school children parading across the stage. You might think that this sounds like a fun, entertaining spectacle – it is certainly out of the ordinary! But, what you might not realize is that this act is not as innocent as it appears.

At South Korea’s Monkey School, acts like this, featuring live monkeys can be seen every night of the week. The Monkey School is a popular tourist destination, especially for those traveling with children. Although watching monkeys dressed as school children perform tricks and act out scenarios featuring their doting teacher is the main attraction of the school, these shows are hardly the only offering at the Monkey School. Outside of the school’s theater there is a Museum of Natural History, where you can see ancient monkey skulls, and if you continue through the facility you will find the Crocodile and Reptile Zoo. There is also the Insects Eco-Center and a Monkey Safari where you can view the monkeys who aren’t performing in their snug cages. Truly an “educational” experience in all aspects.

While it may appear to be a fun, exciting stop on your trip to South Korea, upon closer inspection, you might want to find a different activity for you and your family.

The Conditions for Animals at South Korea’s Monkey School

Although it is called the “Monkey School,” this facility is actually a zoo. The main inhabitants of the school are Macaque monkeys and crocodiles.

A report from Korean Animal Rights Advocates (KARA) found that of the crocodiles living at the facility there were three different species intermingled in the same living area. Mixing freshwater, saltwater and Nile crocodiles all in one holding facility, directly neglects the specific aquatic and biological needs of these crocodiles. However, there barely appeared to be an ample supply of any type of water for the crocodiles, so perhaps the concern of putting a freshwater croc in saltwater was not too high on the list.

KARA

The holding facilities for monkeys are not much better. The monkeys are chained around the neck, even though they are restrained by their cages. According to a first hand account from KARA, “[the monkeys] appeared to be unhealthy, and were quite aggressive when we approached them.”

KARA

The monkeys cages were visibly rusty and some of the animals appeared to be ripping out their hair – a common symptom of zoochosis. The investigation by KARA found 10 macaque monkeys held in cages, along with one cat. Outside of the monkey enclosure there is a dirt pit of sorts where turkeys, ducks, and guinea pigs are allowed to roam free.

An investigation carried out by Animal Defenders International found that the monkeys spend the majority of their time confined to these cages, only to be taken out for performances or “training.”

KARA

Training Monkey Performers

While the crocodiles and other animals residing at the Monkey School might not be kept in acceptable conditions, they are at least spared the trauma of having to perform in live shows. This particular form of “entertainment” is reserved for the school’s stars, the monkeys. Animal Defenders International (ADI) has carried out an extensive investigation into the cruel conditions monkeys are subjected to in order to perform on command.

To train monkeys, they first have to be “broken.” To do this, Monkey School employees have been witness dragging monkeys by their necks using heavy metal chains. They are also frequently beaten. While mothers are allowed to have their babies with them in cages, their time is spent in fear awaiting the next time they are taken from their cages for a beating.

ADI investigators found one monkey who appeared to be foaming with blood, dead in their cage. There was no medical treatment or second thought given to this monkey by the facility.

Monkeys are incredibly intelligent and aware beings who have complex social structures and experience fear and pain in a similar manner to humans. They also possess the ability to learn, which in this case is carried out through torture and fear. ADI footage even documented desperate monkeys trying to open the padlock on their cage to escape. This shows how deeply these creatures understand their state of being.

Once this fear and dominance is established, the monkeys are trained to jump through hoops, do handstands, and ride on mini bicycles on cue. The monkeys are tethered together during performances just to ensure that none steps out of line and the “teacher” in the act is featured wielding a stick.

Knowing how self-aware these animals are, it can hardly be true that these animals “want” to perform on their own accord.

After seeing ADI’s undercover footage of the facility, Sharon Shaw, Director of Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary in the UK said, “All aspects of life for primates at Monkey School are appalling, from the inadequate and atrocious housing conditions, the physical and psychological torture, to the lack of empathy and respect shown by the staff. The poor animals who are unlucky enough to live there endure a barbaric, unnatural life.”

You can view the full footage taken by ADI here, but we will warn you that it contains very graphic content.

What is Being Done to Help These Animals? 

The conditions the monkeys at South Korea’s Monkey School are being forced to live in are completely unacceptable. Thankfully, ADI and KARA are working to ensure that they are not allowed to continue. Working in tandem, these two organizations are advocating for passage of the “Zoo Act,” legislation that would ban animal performances and provide at least a minimal standard for animals’ care. The Zoo Act has been proposed by Congresswoman Hanna Chang who was deeply disturbed by what she witnessed from ADI’s investigation. Despite the obvious neglect and abuse that is occurring at the Monkey School, there are no South Korean laws in place to protect these animals. Passing this legislation would not only benefit the animals languishing in this facility, but also protect others from suffering a similar fate.

In a statement, Chang explains, “As seen in the ADI footage, it is hard to imagine the pain that monkeys have to go through for humans every day. This clearly shows that it is now time to have regulations to monitor the welfare of animals in captivity in Korea.”

ADI and KARA have rallied the Support of 80 international organizations to send to the South Korean government urging them to Support this legislation.

What YOU Can and MUST Do to Stop the Suffering!

Based on what you have learned about South Korea’s Monkey School, we imagine you are pretty upset! Luckily, you can join ADI and KARA in their opposition of this cruel attraction and help prevent others in South Korea, by signing this petition in Support of the Zoo Act.

Boycott South Korea’s Monkey School

Like any customer dependent facility, the Monkey School is entirely dependent on their visitors in order to continue operation. For anyone who plans on traveling to South Korea, a good decision you can make is to simply cross this tourist trap off your list and go on another adventure!

Expose Others

Let us know (in the comments sections) about other animal attractions that should be banned for the way they treat animals.

When you know truth, it is your duty to spread truth!

Lead image source: Animal Defenders International