IPOH: There are monkeys at the Taiping zoo. The problem? They are not actually part of the zoo’s ecosystem.
Worse, they have been harassing visitors.
In a bid to tackle the growing problem, The Taiping Zoo and Night Safari is now taking steps to improve safety after a recent video went viral showing a troop of monkeys from a nearby forest wandering freely on the premises.
“We are aware of the incident and regret the problems caused to visitors,” said Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng.
She said the zoo was implementing measures together with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to manage the presence of these wild animals who come foraging for food there.
“The zoo and Perhilitan will conduct monitoring, population management and relocation where necessary,” she said.
Warning signages have been placed throughout the zoo advising visitors not to feed wildlife, and the number of rubbish bins has been reduced to minimise access to food sources.
“Patrols are also being conducted regularly,” she added.
In the 49-second video uploaded on Facebook, a monkey could be seen trying to lunge at a small child, scaring her as she was being led away by her father.
Ng said the incident may have been triggered by items carried by visitors that attracted the attention of the monkeys.
“At the time, staff in the area were attending to feeding duties.
“The safety of visitors remains a priority, and as the incident occurred within the zoo premises, we take this matter seriously.
“We remain committed to improving safety at the zoo while ensuring responsible and ethical wildlife management,” she added.
