Read a very interesting article in ST today. A primatologist who has studied macaques for 10 years wrote in to criticise reports of the monkeys attacking humans around Bukit Timah.
Some of his retorts were very good, as the people complaining about the macaques had most probably exaggerated things so they don't look like evil animal-haters. But I say, if you want to like in places like Bukit Timah to be close to nature, then take what nature gives you. Live in harmony, don't hog the place.
The story started because some people got fed up with the monkeys breaking into their homes for food, and borrowed traps from AVA to catch them. They caught a baby macaque, provoking the adults to swoop in to try and save it. This led to a showdown, after which the humans shared how horrible the monkeys were.
The primatologist explains:
- When macaques bare their teeth, it's in fear/surrender, not aggression.
- Macaques only scream, bark or grunt. The humans claimed they howled.
- Macaques will not charge into and chase a human through an unfamiliar house as claimed.
Another point raised is why AVA actually lent these humans the traps, when park permits etc are needed to even get close to and study the monkeys. AVA sucks. These humans suck too, for of course the adult monkeys will try to save their young if you trap it.
Reminds me of the incident when one of Ah Meng's grand-daughter got trapped in a noose at the zoo. Eager to save her, the adults all went to help, and tugged so hard they actually killed her accidentally instead. That was so sad. So was Ah Meng's demise.
From Ah Meng we should see that monkeys, and maybe even other animal species, are capable of sentient thoughts and feelings just like us. So, try to live and let live.
Useful info on what to do when in a face-off with a macaque:
- Remain calm cos your panic will make it more agitated.
- Move back slowly while facing it (but don't stare).
- Only turn and walk away quickly when you are 5-6m away from it.
- If it is still following you, turn to face it again.
- Turning immediately and running will most probably cause it to chase you.
- You can also use a large stick, horn or spray water to scare it off.
Labels: Animals Were Here First
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Read a very interesting article in ST today. A primatologist who has studied macaques for 10 years wrote in to criticise reports of the monkeys attacking humans around Bukit Timah.