Monkeys Taking Over: Planet of the Apes Begins Soon!

Can you imagine a city where monkeys are no longer just ordinary wild animals, but rulers of the streets, shoplifters, and even invaders of police stations?

Don’t be surprised, this isn’t a scene from a monkeys take over the world movie, but a reality unfolding in Lopburi, Thailand.

A viral photo showing a Thai schoolgirl holding a weapon (believed to be an airsoft gun or toy) to ‘face off’ against wild monkeys has become a symbol of how serious this issue has become.

Let’s dive deeper into how Lopburi transformed from a monkey-friendly city into a ‘battlefield’ for its residents.

The Monkey Population Explosion

Lopburi is one of Thailand’s oldest cities, rich in history and ancient temples. The most common types of monkeys in Thailand and the main “stars” in Lopburi are macaques (specifically long-tailed macaques, Macaca fascicularis).

They have been an integral part of this city for centuries, especially around historic temples like Prang Sam Yot and Phra Kaan Shrine.

They were once considered symbols of good fortune and even celebrated in the annual Monkey Buffet Festival, where locals and tourists offered various delicious foods to the primates.

However, what was once a charming tourist attraction has now turned into a nightmare.

The population of these Lopburi monkeys has continued to surge, creating a massive Lopburi monkey problem.

Biologists and conservationists suspect this is due to several critical factors:

• Excessive Feeding by Humans: Tourists and local residents consistently feeding the monkeys have made them dependent on humans and lose their natural foraging instincts. Easily accessible food also allows them to breed rapidly and more frequently.
• Loss of Natural Habitat: Rapid urban development has increasingly shrunk forests and green areas surrounding Lopburi, forcing monkeys to venture further into residential areas in search of food and shelter.
• Lack of Natural Predators: In an urban environment, these macaques don’t have significant natural predators that would keep their population in check, allowing them to proliferate without hindrance.

From “Pickpockets” to “Looters”

The impact of this population boom is deeply felt in the daily lives of Lopburi’s residents.

The phenomenon of monkeys taking over in Thailand is no longer just an occasional news story, but a daily reality.

These monkeys have evolved from mere cute attractions into a serious, aggressive nuisance:

Aggression and Attacks (Monkeys in Thailand attack)

Incidents of monkey bites and scratches on humans are increasingly frequent, with reports of residents sustaining serious injuries requiring medical attention.

Are macaques dangerous?

The answer is yes.

In certain situations, especially if they feel threatened, are hungry, or want to snatch food, they can become very aggressive and dangerous. Their bites can cause serious wounds and carry a risk of infection.

Theft and Vandalism

These monkeys are incredibly cunning and bold. They don’t hesitate to snatch food, bags, glasses, mobile phones, and even other personal belongings directly from people’s hands.

Shops are forced to install robust protective netting or iron bars to safeguard their merchandise from blatant ‘looting’ by the monkey gangs.

Building Infiltration

Monkeys daringly enter homes, offices, and even public buildings. They cause extensive property damage, ransack rooms, and leave behind droppings that create significant sanitation and hygiene problems.

The viral incident of the schoolgirl holding a weapon, although likely just a deterrent like an airsoft gun or a toy, powerfully illustrates the level of despair and vigilance required from residents.

They must be on constant alert, feeling as if they are living on an invisible battlefield.

Reports that the monkeys can even snatch air guns from people’s hands further highlight the primates’ remarkable intelligence and audacity.

Between Sterilization and Monkey ‘Resistance’

The Thai government and local authorities in Lopburi are not sitting idly by in the face of this escalating crisis.

Various efforts have been made, though they face considerable hurdles:

Mass Sterilization Programs

This is the primary and most effective method for long-term population control. Monkeys are humanely caught, vaccinated, sterilized, and then released back into their habitat.

However, this process is time-consuming, requires significant resources, and is an ongoing battle as monkeys continue to breed.

Construction of Enclosures and Relocation

There have been attempts to capture the most aggressive and problematic monkeys and relocate them to special enclosures or sanctuaries outside densely populated areas.

However, this effort faces significant challenges. In a truly astonishing incident in November 2023, over 200 monkeys managed to escape from an enclosure and stormed the Lopburi police station!

They scaled the building, entered through windows, and ransacked the office, forcing police officers to barricade themselves inside and use slingshots to deter the audacious monkey attack.

This incident vividly demonstrates how incredibly difficult it is to control these cunning and determined primates.

Compensation for Victims

The government has also established a compensation scheme for residents who suffer material losses or injuries due to monkey attacks, offering some financial relief.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Educating residents and tourists about the importance of not feeding monkeys is also continuously promoted.

This aims to break the cycle of dependency, although changing deeply ingrained habits proves to be a significant challenge.

A Reflection of Human-Nature Conflict

The popular phrase “Planet of the Apes is becoming a reality” among netizens certainly feels apt to describe Lopburi’s predicament.

While monkeys won’t literally take over human civilization, this situation is a stark, real-world illustration of the unavoidable conflict that arises when wild animal populations grow out of control and their natural habitats are continually eroded by human expansion.

The phenomenon of monkeys taking over in 2021 that gained global attention, continues to evolve and persist in Lopburi today.

This story of Lopburi is not merely about mischievous monkeys; it’s a profound reflection of the global challenge in balancing urban development with nature conservation.

It serves as a powerful reminder that every human action towards the environment has significant consequences.

The Lopburi case underscores the critical importance of sustainable wildlife management, robust habitat conservation efforts, and comprehensive public education. So that this ‘war’ between humans and primates does not continue to escalate.

Do you know of any similar stories of human-wildlife conflict in other parts of the world?