An animal charity has issued an urgent plea to close a “hell hole” zoo – after monkeys were found chained to ‘litter-filled’ cages.
Moving Animals conducted an investigation into the Samui Monkey Center in Thailand – a popular tourist destination.
Shocking images show their findings, from monkeys chained by their necks in cramped cages, to other enclosures seen with litter and concrete blocks inside.
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Located on the popular island of Koh Samui, the zoo has been described as a “hell hole” for its inhabitants, reports Need To Know.
A spokesperson for Moving Animals said: “All of the monkeys displayed neurotic behaviours, including frantically pacing back and forth nonstop.
“Several monkeys were noted to be eating twig branches in a possible sign of hunger.
“Cages are filled with rubbish like plastic bottles and crisp packets, and some are littered with large, discarded concrete blocks and bricks.
“Another worrying pattern is that the majority of the animals are infants and no adults of the same species are present at the zoo, making it hard to believe that these animals were bred within the zoo.
“A solitary deer was kept alone in a small enclosure with a surface entirely of thick mud, leaving the lonely animal with no appropriate space to rest.
“A binturong, a legally protected animal and species threatened with extinction, also known as a bearcat, appeared severely lethargic and possibly close to death.”
Investigators are concerned that some monkeys in the center may be carrying infectious diseases like tuberculosis, due to repeated coughing – despite visitors being encouraged to physically interact with them.
As a result of the investigation, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) has publicly offered to rehome all of the animals at their 90-hectare sanctuary.
Edwin Wiek, WFFT founder, said: “WFFT has received several disturbing reports about the venue, and we are deeply concerned about the horrific animal cruelty documented, as well as the public health risk posed by the health conditions of the animals at the zoo.
“It was devastating reviewing the investigative footage.
“At just a few months old, it’s heartbreaking to know the baby monkey documented will spend the rest of his life in a barren cage, pacing in frantic circles, and as far from nature as you can imagine.
“That’s why we’re urgently seeking to rehome him and the dozens of other animals trapped in this hellhole.
“For years the zoo has been displaying irrelevant documents at the entrance of the zoo, making people believe that they are legally permitted to keep the animals and that the conditions at the zoo complied with Thailand’s Animal Welfare Laws.
“We stand ready to assist, and make a public offer to help all animals at the zoo needing rescue.”
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