Lazy, fat macaque in Thailand for release after strict diet

An obese long-tailed macaque rescued from a lazy gluttonous life of limitless food from over-generous tourists to Thailand has shed over two kilogrammes since being placed on a diet and is now ready for release back into the wild.

Officials of the Wildlife Conservation Office were on Thursday preparing to return the 15-year-old primate to Khun Kala Monument, an attraction known for its horde of long-tailed macaques, in Bangkok’s seaside district of Bang Khun Thian, Thai media reported. 

The overweight monkey was taken into care on May 4.

It was so fat it hardly moved at all, just sat still waiting for food from visitors. It weighed 27kg. The normal weight of an adult macaque is 10 to 15 kg.

Now, three months later, its weight is down to 24.72kg, officials said, attributing it to a strict diet.

Veterinarians have carefully fed it a measured diet of vegetables and fruit, and encouraged the monkey to move around and get frequent exercise. 

The latest examination found its tummy was a bit smaller and the primate was in good health, with normal blood test results and no contagious diseases.

Read the original article at Bangkok Post