ĐÀ NẴNG : Authorities in the central city of Đà Nẵng have warned tourists not to feed local monkeys.
During the recent peak tourist season, a herd of wild monkeys have been frequently spotted to gather at the landfill behind Linh Ứng Pagoda on Sơn Trà Peninsula, scavenging for food, even when environment workers are present to burn the trash.
For a long time, tourists have used candies and fruits and other types of food to lure these monkeys into a position where they can be photographed. “They continue giving food to monkeys despite my warnings,” he said.
Researchers say that by feeding the wild animals, tourists have changed their living habits. From searching for food in their natural habitat, some monkeys have switched to food meant for human, which is not really good for their digestive system.
increases the risk of diseases for both sides.
Dương Thị Xuân Liễu, head of the Tourism Management and Operation Department under the Management Board of Sơn Trà Peninsula and Đà Nẵng beaches, said the board had put up signs discouraging people from feeding the animals and urged tour operators and transport providers to warn tourists against such practices.
However, due to poor management and the lack of a mechanism to punish those who feed the monkeys, the situation has not seen much improvement.
In 2015, two tourists were hospitalised after being attacked by monkeys on Sơn Trà Peninsula.
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