Monkey Kept on a Tight Leash for 4 Years Finally Gets Her Freedom! (PHOTOS)

When the Wildlife Friends Foundation received a call about a monkey in desperate need of help, they immediately went to save her. When they arrived, they witnessed a horrifying but, sadly, familiar, sight: a Northern Pig Tailed Macaque, Lamai, was tied to a tree by a short chain. She had been chained to a tree for the last four years of her short life.  According to WFFT, “The use of chains to restrain animals is seen throughout Thailand, we often see this and the chain regularly becomes completely embedded within the skin of the animal. Thankfully we got to Lamai soon enough.”

Rescuers believe she was most likely captured from the wild as a young baby, and must have witnessed the murder of her mother. Then, a life of chains awaited her.

The chain had created deep wounds around her abdomen, causing extreme pain for Lamai.  

WFFT reflects, “The idea of keeping a monkey as a pet seems to appeal to many people, this is when they are young, small and docile enough to handle. A few months down the line they are no longer receptive to human contact, as their wild instincts become more and more evident, they can no longer be handled like babies. This is when the reality of the often long miserable life in captivity starts…”

The rescue team sedated Lamai, removed the chain from her waist, and transported her back to the WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre. The chain had been on her waist for most of her life, and had she not been rescued, she would have likely been dead by now. 

The population of northern pig-tailed macaque has declined by over 30 percent over the past three generations, and sadly, that statistic is on track to grow, due to hunting and trading for food, and, in Lamai’s case, the exotic pet trade. But because WFFT was able to rescue Lamai, she’ll never have to face these cruel realities again. 

After spending time in quarantine, Lamai will soon be introduced to some macaque friends.

We’re so happy she’ll be able to live out her life freely! Remember, wild animals like Lamai belong in the wild … not as pets! If you’d like to learn more about WFFT, visit their website and consider making a donation.

All Image Source: Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand/Facebook