The ancient temples of Angkor Wat are not only a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage but also home to a unique and delicate ecosystem, including the long-tailed macaques that have roamed these sacred grounds for centuries.

However, these monkeys, once revered and respected, are now being subjected to horrific abuse by individuals seeking online fame and fortune.

The Reality of Abuse

In the pursuit of views, some YouTubers have resorted to disturbing and cruel tactics. Monkeys at the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site are being manipulated and harmed in the most shocking ways imaginable.

Videos have surfaced showing baby monkeys being held by the neck and repeatedly doused in water as they struggle to escape. In another clip, a juvenile macaque is abused for the camera, with no regard for its well-being. These acts of cruelty are not just isolated incidents but part of a growing trend where animals are exploited purely for profit¹.

The impact on these monkeys is devastating. Instead of living freely in their natural habitat, they are being treated as mere props for entertainment. These animals, which should be foraging and interacting within their social groups, are now becoming dependent on human handouts. This dependency has altered their natural behavior and increased aggression, leading to a rise in attacks on tourists².

The situation has escalated to the point where the monkeys are causing damage to the very temples they call home, pulling away pieces of ancient structures in their search for food³.

The Urgent Need for Action

APSARA, the authority responsible for managing the Angkor site, has begun investigating these cases, but their efforts alone are not enough. The perpetrators of these acts often remain hidden behind the camera, making it difficult to hold them accountable.

Even when platforms like YouTube and Facebook remove graphic content, countless other videos continue to circulate, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. This ongoing exploitation is not just a violation of animal rights but a threat to the integrity of one of the world’s most cherished heritage sites⁴.

The solution lies in stronger enforcement of existing laws and the implementation of stricter regulations. APSARA must be empowered to take decisive legal action against those who harm these monkeys. Surveillance and monitoring need to be increased, and there must be a concerted effort to educate the public—both locals and tourists—on the importance of respecting the natural inhabitants of Angkor.

Your Voice Matters

The time to act is now. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the protection of Angkor’s monkeys and the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. These animals cannot speak for themselves, but we can amplify their voices. Together, we can ensure that Angkor remains a place of reverence and respect, not a site of exploitation and cruelty.

Join us in demanding that APSARA take immediate and strong action to protect these innocent creatures. Sign the petition today and be part of the solution to end this senseless abuse.

More on this issue:

1. VOA News (9 April 2024), "Cambodia investigates YouTubers' abuse of monkeys at Angkor UNESCO site."
2. David Rising, Associated Press (9 April 2024), "Cruelty for clicks: Cambodia is investigating YouTubers’ abuse of monkeys at the Angkor UNESCO site."
3. CBS News (9 April 2024), "Cambodia grapples with rise of YouTubers abusing monkeys for clicks at Cambodia's Angkor world heritage site."
4. South China Morning Post (9 April 2024), "Cambodia probes YouTubers’ abuse of monkeys at Angkor Wat Unesco site: ‘needs boundary between human intervention in nature’."