Kunming Zoo in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province has removed two cats from its monkey mountain enclosure after videos depicting monkeys mistreating the felines sparked public outrage. The zoo had initially placed the cats in the enclosure for rodent control, but the videos showed the monkeys dragging and tormenting them, raising concerns about animal protection and zoo management.
In response to the public outcry, the Kunming Zoo released a statement on Sunday, announcing the safe removal of the two cats from the monkey mountain enclosure at approximately 9:40 pm on Saturday. The cats underwent a thorough physical examination at the animal hospital of Yunnan Agricultural University, revealing good physical conditions with no external injuries and normal action capacity. The China Small Animal Protection Association will appropriately rehome the two cats.
Video footage circulating online depicted monkeys engaging in disturbing behavior towards the cats, causing widespread public concern about the zoo’s cohabitation practices and overall animal welfare management. The zoo had introduced cats into the monkey enclosure in 2013 to control a rat infestation, a move initially deemed successful.
The zoo explained in notices on January 19 and 26 that a previous rat infestation led to an excess of 300 to 500 rats due to food storage issues and suitable living conditions for rodents in the monkey enclosure. Following expert advice, eight cats were introduced in 2013, effectively controlling the rat infestation. In an effort to maintain control, the zoo later moved out ten cats, leaving two in the enclosure.
Despite the zoo’s assertion that monkeys and cats cohabited well over the decade, online footage sparked skepticism among netizens, some of whom claimed the monkeys tortured the cats. A past report in 2017 by Chuncheng Evening News revealed the unfortunate death of two stray cats introduced to the monkey mountain.
Animal protection experts emphasized the need for assessments before introducing cats, especially those previously kept as pets, into monkey enclosures. Sun Quanhui from the World Animal Protection organization noted that such cohabitation practices might negatively impact the animals over the long term. Differences in nocturnal habits between cats and monkeys, as well as concerns about disturbing the cats’ sleep, were raised.
Critics argued that the zoo should not sacrifice the well-being of cats for the protection of monkeys, highlighting the responsibility of the zoo in terms of animal protection. In response, Kunming Zoo expressed appreciation for public concern, pledged to reflect on its shortcomings, and committed to considering public opinions and suggestions for a natural, safe, and healthy living environment for animals.
