Last Friday, some of our GS community took part in the release of 40 rehabilitated ex-dancing monkeys in East Java. This amazing initiative was organized by Sumatra Wildlife Center, a program established by Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN).
Most of the long-tailed macaques used to perform were taken from their mother when they were just a baby or bought in the market and immediately put through a grueling training regime to become dancing monkeys. JAAN coordinated with local authorities to confiscate and rescue them from the street and circus. Before being re-wild, the monkey usually undergoes a few years of rehabilitation, treated by a professional team of caretakers and veterinarians. Afterward, they will be taken to the pristine forest reserve where they spend a few days in their pre-release enclosure, monitored by the rangers before eventually venturing out into the woods.
JAAN has been campaigning since 2009 to stop the cruelty inflicted on dancing monkeys and since 2015 actively rescuing and rehabilitating these victims of a very cruel practice. Now dancing monkeys are banned in Indonesia. To help them rescue more monkeys and other wildlife animals, you can make a donation to JAAN here.
