Video Highlighting the Horrendous Abuse of a Coconut Monkey in Thailand

Today, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) received an extremely distressing video documenting abuse inflicted on a monkey used in the coconut industry in Thailand.

The footage shows a pig-tailed macaque being dragged by a chain and struck repeatedly by a handler.

In Thailand, monkeys are being stolen from the wild, trained through abuse and deprivation for labour. They are kept on short chains, isolated from their own kind and subjected to punishments to collect coconuts.

At WFFT, we are working to phase out the use and abuse of pig-tailed macaques in Thailand. Because this is not culture or tradition – this is abuse and exploitation.

Edwin Wiek, Founder and Director of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), says:

“We really hope this video sparks action – not only for this poor individual pig-tailed macaque, but for coconut monkeys across Thailand.

“This video clearly shows animal abuse and, as such, this animal should be seized by the authorities and those responsible held to account. However, there are thousands of coconut monkeys in Thailand. This is a major conservation and animal welfare issue. These endangered macaques are being taken from the wild and subjected to severe abuse before being exploited for their entire lives to pick coconuts. Enough is enough.

“We are working to phase out the use of coconut monkeys by engaging with the coconut industry and farmers to transition away from this practice which, quite frankly, has no place in this day and age. At the same time, we are working to develop sanctuary facilities to rescue coconut monkeys and provide them with lifelong care, especially individuals like this one who urgently need help.”

How you can take action

If you are concerned about this animal, or about the use of monkeys in the coconut industry, you can report the case directly to the relevant authorities in Thailand. Your voice matters. Reporting abuse helps protect animals who cannot speak for themselves. The more people who raise concerns, the more likely it is that action will be taken.

Department of National Parks (DNP)

Oversees wildlife protection in Thailand

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Call on: 1362
Email: complain@dnp.mail.go.th | hotline1362@hotmail.com
Facebook: DNP

Department of Livestock Development (DLD)

Responsible for animal welfare

Department of Livestock Development

Email: info@dld.go.th
Facebook: DLD Thailand

While WFFT, as an NGO, does not have jurisdiction to directly seize wildlife, we report cases of animal cruelty, exploitation, and possible illegal trading to the authorities. To learn more about our work to end coconut monkey exploitation, please visit:
www.wfft.org/end-coconut-monkey-abuse-in-thailand/