Cambodian authorities warn tourists of increasing monkey aggression at Angkor Wat
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An official from the Apsara National Authority cleaning the wound of a tourist who was scratched by a monkey.
PHOTOS: AFP, APSARA NATIONAL AUTHORITY
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PHNOM PENH - Cambodian authorities have issued a warning about the growing number of aggressive monkeys in the Angkor Wat area, and have urged the public to avoid feeding or interacting with them.
“Recently, the number of monkeys in the Angkor Archaeological Park has increased significantly,” said the Apsara National Authority (ANA) in a Feb 4 press release.
“The regular feeding of a small group of individuals for the purpose of producing video content has altered the monkeys’ natural behaviour, turning them into aggressive scavengers which may injure humans as they try to take food,” said ANA.
The agency is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, including the Forestry Administration and the Siem Reap agriculture department, to find a solution to the issue.
It urged members of the public – including domestic and international tourists, tour guides and tourism operators in Siem Reap – to help spread awareness and refrain from activities that could further exacerbate the problem.
Mr Long Kosal, an ANA spokesman, confirmed that monkey “attacks” were becoming more frequent.
“There are no exact figures, but some individuals have sustained injuries, including torn skin, while others have had their food stolen,” he told The Post.
He added that specialists are exploring solutions which will address the issue, without endangering visitors or attracting criticism for relocating the animals. THE PHNOM PENH POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
