China: Baby monkey required to smoke for zoo ‘public health project’

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    Emily Sørensen
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    Hebei, China, November 4, 2021 (photographs, video still)??????NEWS COPY - WITH VIDEO AND PICTURES??????A Chinese zoo was criticised after allegedly making a baby monkey smoke a cigarette. Hengshui Wildlife Park uploaded the video of the little monkey named Banjin holding the lighted cigarette in its mouth in Hengshui, Hebei province on November 4. A woman off-screen removed the cigarette and scolded the simian, saying smoking is harmful to one's health. After sparking outrage, the zoo keepers said they shot the video to raise public awareness against the vice. They added that the captive monkeys usually do not smoke. Bosses at the zoo did not comment on the incident. However, residents in China said it was cruel. One user wrote online that the monkey looked like it was hurt. They wrote: 'He fell over on his back like he was dizzy and sick.' Another added: 'A zoo should no better than doing this. They are supposed to care about animals.' The US Food and Drug Administration said animals exposed to cigarette smoke have been found to be at higher risk of illnesses such as pneumonia, eye problems, heart disease, and cancer. The smoking monkey video is the latest in a list of controversies surrounding animal welfare in China. Just last May, the 'blind box' craze - in which pets were sealed and sold in 'mystery boxes' for about $1.5 each - swept through online shoppers in the country. Animal activists rescued around 160 cats and dogs, some of which had died during transit due to suffocation. Meanwhile, the annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival in southwestern China has also garnered widespread criticism from both international and local animal rights groups. Over 10,000 dogs are slaughtered and eaten during the yearly 10-day event, with residents believing the meat will bring good health and luck to those who consume it.

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    A zoo is dealing with a reaction after shooting an infant monkey smoking cigarettes as part of an unusual ‘public health campaign’.

    The primate was presumably required to down on the cigarette at Hengshui Zoo, in the Chinese province of Hebei, in an obvious effort to prevent individuals from the practice.

    But the video, shared on TikTo k, triggered fury amongst animal enthusiasts and has actually now been erased from the social networks website.

    The monkey, thought to be called Banjin, is seen resting on a small wood stool using a purple jumpsuit-style garment, dipping its head and blinking as it appears to attempt and prevent smoke getting in its eyes.

    He unwillingly quits the cigarette after a female off-screen eliminates it, stating it is hazardous.

    She states: ‘Don’ t you understand smoking cigarettes is bad for your health? Do you truly still smoke? You still smoke.’

    The primate then rubs its face prior to rolling off the seat and pushing the flooring, seeming disorientated.

    At completion of the clip, the monkey is used a container of seafood, thought to be a benefit for its efficiency in the ‘anti-smoking’ movie.

    The zoo apparently declared the video had actually been made as a public health project (Picture: ViralPress)

    According to regional media, the zoo declared it was simply a ‘gimmick’ when reacting to allegations of animal abuse online.

    A member of personnel apparently stated: ‘It’ s simply a trick to encourage everybody not to smoke by utilizing a monkey. It’s not truly a cigarette smoking monkey.’

    But social networks users knocked the zoo, with one recommending the monkey seemed ‘dizzy and sick’ when he tipped over.

    Another stated the zoo needs to understand much better, including: ‘They are supposed to care about animals.’

    Other videos are stated to reveal the monkey consuming chocolate ice lollies and a probiotic yoghurt-type beverage.

    Bosses at the park have yet to discuss the occurrence and it is uncertain whether the authorities have actually gotten a report or strategy to examine.

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