Image of Monkey Playing With Bubble Tea Cup Seems Cute But It’s Actually a Hazard


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Let’s face it, when we see a cute monkey at the side of the road or chilling in the trees our first reaction is to go ‘Awwwwww! I have to put this on my IG story!’

However, not many of us would actually have the opportunity to come across a monkey every day.

Especially if the said monkey was seen to be playing with a bubble tea cup.

Monkeys Spotted Playing With Plastic Trash

Last Sunday, Aug 25, Glendon Kee took to the Raffles’ Banded Langurs Working Group’s (RBLWG) Facebook page to share his experience.

While carrying out their field surveys, interns Kee and Amos Chua noticed a group of young macaques playing with each other.

Image: Tenor

Kee noticed that another young macaque appeared from the treeline. But this time, it brought a toy with it – a discarded bubble tea cup.

Image: Facebook (Raffles’ Banded Langurs)

Another young macaque soon followed suit, biting into a takeaway plate instead.

If you’re thinking “That doesn’t sound so bad.” Then boy, have I got news for you.

The Downsides Of Feeding Wildlife

If you’ve decided to brave the outdoors and get a little Vitamin D by taking a walk through any of the reservoirs or forests, you’ll notice that there are always signs that say to NOT feed any of the wildlife.

According to the National Parks Board (NParks), monkeys will gradually be conditioned to recognise plastic bags and other containers as food sources and will instinctively grab onto these items.

So once again everyone, this is a PSA to NOT feed wildlife when you’re outside. We definitely don’t want to see more episodes of monkeys stealing food from us anymore.

As macaques are known to be social primates, social interaction is an important part of their daily life.

According to Kee’s Facebook post, “By disposing of food trash in and around nature parks, we provide an opportunity for animals like macaques to rummage through bins which might not be properly secured.

“In this way, we not only create hazards for wild animals and contribute further damage to the environment with our trash, but might also deny the macaques socialisation time with their buddies.”

Do This Instead

Kee wrote that if you have any trash to be disposed of, it should be done outside of nature parks and be properly sealed in a garbage bag.

Remember, don’t be that person to ruin the ecosystem. It definitely won’t look good on you.


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Image: Tenor

Read Also: How One SPF Officer Rescued An Adorable Kitten Trapped On The Roof