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Chain of Suffering

Wild caught monkeys were crammed into wooden and wire crates. Such cramped and overcrowded confinement would be a source of constant stress for the monkeys.Long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques are classified as Appendix II under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Threats to their survival include habitat destruction, hunting and persecution as a “pest.”The Macaca fascicularis or long-tailed macaque is widespread throughout Southeast Asia. They live in a range of habitats, but prefers forested areas near water, including mangrove and swamp forests. This macaque was living freely in the jungles of Indonesia.Indonesia continues to allow indigenous wild populations of macaques, such as these, to be plundered from its rainforests for the research industry.The BUAV investigation has uncovered the cruelty and suffering inflicted on macaques during their capture, confinement and transportation in Indonesia.At the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) in Indonesia, young monkeys were housed in these barren metal cages, totally inappropriate for their needs. Primates require a complex, stimulating environment for their psychological well-being.At one company, monkeys were kept in small pens with smooth walls and floor. They had no place to climb or hide. This would be stressful for them in addition to the stress experienced as a result of captivity and confinement.At Jakarta airport, BUAV investigators found monkeys kept in these stark conditions prior to being exported overseas to be used in experiments.Every year thousands of monkeys from Indonesia are exported around the world to countries such as the USA, Japan and China where they will suffer and probably die in research laboratories.Wild monkeys living and breeding freely in a natural environment on Tinjil IslandWild-caught monkeys destined for the research industry were transported across Indonesia in these dilapidated wooden and wire crates. These crates were piled on top of each other in the back of an open truck.Snatched from the wild, these monkeys were crammed into small, make-shift wooden crates and transported from the trapping site.This method of transportation was carried out in a cruel way that would inflict further suffering on wild animals who were already stressed and bewildered by being removed from their homes and family groups.Wild monkeys were caught in bamboo traps like this one. The trap is primed with fruit such as bananas. As the monkey pulls on the bananas, the bamboo frame collapses trapping the monkeys inside.After capture, wild monkeys were held in cramped small wooden crates at dealers’ premises. Such conditions would be extremely stressful for the monkeys and likely to cause ill health, injuries and even death.

Location: Indonesia

Uncovered: the shocking trade in monkeys that violates international animal welfare guidelines and breaches Indonesia’s own legislation.

Summary

An investigation carried out by the BUAV has revealed a shocking trade in monkeys from Indonesia for the international research industry. The BUAV believes that the findings show that not only are international animal welfare guidelines being violated, but that Indonesia is also breaching its own legislation as well as failing to comply with CITES (The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. BUAV's investigation has further revealed the appalling fate that awaits many of these monkeys at their final destination - the research laboratory.

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