The Dark Reality Behind Baby Monkeys on Social Media

The captions says "I feel happy" when in fact this poor monkey is showing a "fear face" by bearing it's teeth. This monkey is terrified.

Social media is flooded with seemingly adorable videos of baby long-tailed macaques dressed in tiny outfits, clinging to their owners, or even interacting with other animals. At first glance, these videos might appear sweet and harmless, but the truth behind the scenes is often harrowing. The widespread use of baby monkeys for social media content is a cruel practice that causes immense suffering to these intelligent and sensitive animals.

The Brutal Beginnings

The story of these baby monkeys begins in the wild, where they are violently taken from their natural habitat. Monkeys are fiercely protective of their young, so in order to capture a baby, poachers often kill the parents. This traumatic separation marks the start of a life filled with abuse and neglect for the baby monkey.

A Life of Suffering

While the videos might depict these monkeys as being cared for and loved, the reality is often far from it. Many of these monkeys are kept in appalling conditions—tiny cages or cramped boxes where they barely have room to move. They are frequently starved so that they will eagerly accept food on camera, creating the illusion of a strong bond with their owner.

One of the most heart-breaking misconceptions is that a monkey clinging to its owner demonstrates affection. In reality, this behavior is driven by fear. Monkeys have a natural instinct to cling to anything for safety when they feel threatened or scared. What viewers interpret as love is actually a desperate attempt by the monkey to find comfort in an unfamiliar and terrifying environment.

Forced to Perform

A common feature in these videos is monkeys walking upright on two legs, a behavior that is far from natural. From our direct experience working with over 50 monkeys at Bali Monkey Rescue, not a single one of them has ever walked on two legs without being forced. This behavior is the result of violent “training” methods, where monkeys are tethered by ropes or chains around their necks. If they attempt to use their front legs to walk naturally, they are beaten. Over time, they learn that the only way to avoid punishment is to remain upright.

When not on camera, these monkeys often remain chained for hours or even days. Some are even drugged to make them appear docile, especially when filmed alongside other animals like baby rabbits. Monkeys are naturally curious and active; their subdued behavior in these videos is far from normal and indicates severe mistreatment.

Not only is this adult monkey walking on 2 legs which is completely unnatural, the title of the video implies the monkey is "icy" cold after a shower. The monkey's facial expressions alone show how cold, uncomfortable and scared they are.

What Can We Do?

At Bali Monkey Rescue, we are deeply committed to addressing this issue. While rescuing these monkeys is an essential part of our mission, prevention is equally important. However, the fight against this exploitation is complex. Social media content creators, often based in Southeast Asia where monkeys are abundant, earn significant incomes from these videos. For many, this income far outweighs what they could earn in traditional jobs, creating a powerful incentive to continue.

Additionally, cultural attitudes towards monkeys can vary, with some communities lacking awareness of proper primate care or showing little empathy for their suffering. This combination of economic incentive and cultural indifference makes it challenging to eradicate this practice.

Taking Action

As individuals, we can help by reporting these videos and channels whenever we see them. If a monkey is dressed in clothes, walking on two legs, or depicted in unnatural situations, it is safe to assume that some level of abuse is involved. By collectively reporting such content, we can pressure social media platforms to take a stand against these exploitative practices.

The reality is grim, but change is possible. By raising awareness, reporting abusive content, and supporting organizations like Bali Monkey Rescue, we can work towards a future where monkeys are no longer exploited for profit. Let’s ensure that these intelligent and sensitive creatures are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.

This poor baby is being forced to not only walk on two legs (which monkeys DO NOT do naturally, but is being made to carry a back pack and suitcase. The multiple levels of cruelty here are almost unbelievable.