Bangkok market vendor’s obese monkey seized by wildlife authorities

Thai wildlife authorities seized an extremely fat macaque monkey, known as Godzilla, and have now placed the 3 year old monkey on a strict diet.

Godzilla’s owner is a meatball vendor in Bangkok’s Min Buri district. Reports say Godzilla was often tied to the market stall, snacking on treats from passersby. Weighing 20 kilograms, Godzilla became somewhat of a local attraction.

A local, concerned about the monkey’s health, made a complaint with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Many have compared Godzilla to another obese monkey called Uncle Fatty who died.

Wildlife officials say macaque monkeys are classified under Thai law as a protected animal, giving them authority to investigate and seize Godzilla from his owner.

A recent report from the department says the monkey has lost weight and is now down to 17 kilograms. Godzilla is now adjusting to a nutritious diet of bananas, cabbage, lentils, pumpkin, sunflower seeds and insect protein supplements.

But the monkey is still morbidly overweight, and veterinarians cannot do blood tests because the blood vessels are hard to find.

Some Thais on social media are now calling on Godzilla to be sent back to his owner, saying that he can be put on a diet at home. Wildlife authorities say the macaque monkey is a protected animal and cannot be a household pet.

SOURCES: The Sun | Facebook:ชุดปฏิบัติการพิเศษเหยี่ยวดง