A solitary Formosan rock macaque mistakenly entered the chimpanzee enclosure at Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo and was brutally attacked, resulting in its death. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of frequent macaque sightings in the area, where these monkeys are known to often steal food from visitors.
Witnesses reported that the macaque entered the chimpanzee habitat, where it was surrounded and attacked by two chimpanzees. This violent encounter left the macaque severely injured, leading to its death shortly thereafter. Dr. Lu Jianfu, an assistant professor at Chinese Culture University with a PhD in biology from the UK, commented on the incident, stating that chimpanzees are territorial and aggressive primates that will eliminate intruders in their domain.
Dr. Lu noted that many people mistakenly perceive chimpanzees as gentle creatures due to their portrayal in films. However, he emphasized that these animals are powerful and dangerous, capable of lethal attacks on other animals and even humans. He pointed out that adult chimpanzees are among the most dangerous wild animals, with documented cases of fatal attacks on humans being significantly lower than those from crocodiles, lions, or hippos.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution around chimpanzees and highlights the importance of maintaining a safe distance from these powerful primates. Documentaries like "Chimpanzee Warriors" depict the brutal realities of chimpanzee behavior in the wild, showcasing their predatory instincts.
In response to rising conflicts between humans and monkeys, Dr. Lu advocates for long-term solutions such as improving monkey habitats and implementing measures like planting thorny hedges to deter monkey incursions into human areas. He cautioned against short-term fixes that have limited effectiveness and suggested that managing monkey populations through sterilization or contraception could help prevent overpopulation.
This tragic event at Shoushan Zoo has sparked discussions about animal behavior and safety protocols in zoos, emphasizing the need for better understanding and management of wildlife interactions.
