Zoo enforces separation between cats and monkeys in the wake of public outcry over alleged 'mistreatment'

Following accusations from animal enthusiasts about brutal and unscientific treatment, two cats have been removed from the monkey exhibit at Kunming Zoo situated in Yunnan Province, southwest China.

Kunming Zoo issued a statement early Sunday, confirming that the cats were moved from "monkey hill" on Saturday night under the supervision of the China Small Animal Protection Association, animal specialists, and concerned public.

The declaration highlighted that thorough health checks were undertaken on the cats. These checks confirmed they were in good health, had no visible injuries, and displayed regular mobility. The association will take care of their subsequent settlement.

"We are committed to earnestly reflecting upon, identifying any shortcomings in our operation, keenly incorporating public feedback and suggestions, and aspiring to offer the animals a natural, safe, and healthy habitat," the zoo commented.

Earlier this month, the zoo landed under scrutiny when some visitors disseminated videos on the internet suggesting that the monkeys were abusing the two cats.

The footages showcased monkeys dragging and riding the cats amongst other actions, sparking off internet debates.

Reacting to the escalating issues, the zoo released a statement on the 18th of January, detailing that this practice of cohabitation began in 2013 intending to control the mouse population.

The zoo detailed that they twice introduced a total of eight cats to the hill, which multiplied to twelve within a year.

"This strategy resulted in a noticeable decline in the mouse population, and the cats and monkeys cohabitating in harmony," the zoo declared, adding that two cats were preserved to maintain this beneficial effect.

This narration, however, did not pacify the angered public. The zoo pledged on Friday to relocate the cats at a suitable time. The subsequent day forewitnessed the joint effort of the zoo and the China Small Animal Protection Association to safely capture the cats.

The topic is still sparking heated debate with numerous people demanding the removal of Kunming Zoo's head.

Li Qi, a cat owner in Beijing, shared, "The thought of this makes my heart ache. Stray cats and dogs are defenseless against monkeys, transforming the coexistence into a fight for survival potentially involving interspecies violence."

Luo Si, a cat lover from Kunming, appreciated the effort to tackle the rodent problem, "But I believe the zookeepers should have better controlled the monkeys' behavior. It's evident that the cats were uncomfortable with the monkey interactions."

Luo also highlighted the overreaction of many, noting that the zoo was responsive to feedback.

World Animal Protection scientist, Sun Quanhui, held the viewpoint that housing the two species together is unsuitable.

According to him, "Zoos mostly house wild animals. Before bringing in domestic cats, the relevant authorities ought to dutifully assess the impacts of such a practice on both cats and other animals. Otherwise, a situation might ensue where one is favored at the detriment of another," as quoted by China National Radio.

"Without long-term observation, assessing the severity of the situation is challenging. Current information is sparse, and acquiring adequate surveillance data to accurately evaluate if any harmful behavior is taking place between the species is essential," a wild animal protection researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences anonymously told CGTN.

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Camille Lefevre for TROIB News