Wildlife

Show Monkeys Rescued in Jakarta, Indonesia

The practice of using trained monkeys for shows on the streets of Jakarta, which some people say is cruel and a public health threat, is being eradicated under orders from the head of the Indonesian capital.

Officers have begun fanning across the city to rescue the macaques dressed up for shows that often involve them wearing plastic doll masks on their faces.

Some are outfitted in dresses or cowboy attire, forced to carry umbrellas or ride tiny bicycles.

The monkeys’ teeth are pulled out so they can’t bite, and their owners are accused of torturing them to remain obedient.

Gov. Joko Widodo says the practice will be gone by next year. The monkeys are being purchased from the owners and will be sheltered at a large preserve at Jakarta’s Ragunan Zoo.

Those who used to depend on the monkeys for a living are to be given vocational training and helped to find new jobs.

Animal rights groups that have long campaigned against the roadside monkey performances are praising the governor for the crackdown.