Advice for young traveler How to feed monkeys

The monkeys commonly encountered in our wild places are Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). These animals are native to Singapore and their original habitat was mangroves. In fact, they are sometimes also called Crab-eating macaques.

Monkeys are social animals just like us. In the wild, they live in groups of 15-30 monkeys. Their social structure and behaviour are almost as complex as ours.

People feed monkeys to have a closer look at these fascinating creatures. Some people think the monkeys are starving.

Sometimes monkeys can show aggressive behavior. The aggressive behaviour of monkeys is the outcome of feeding by irresponsible members of the public. Feeding monkeys alters their natural behaviour, and makes them too familiar with humans. As a result, some monkeys become a nuisance, even to those who do not feed them.

Should anyone encounter monkeys in their estate, please do not feed them or eat in front of them. Avoid eye contact with the monkeys, watch them from a distance and walk away. Let the monkeys return to their natural habitat to forage.