A morbidly obese wild monkey is in rehab and undergoing a strict diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables.

Nicknamed ‘Uncle Fat’ by locals at a Bangkok market the chunky monkey ballooned after gorging itself on junk food and soft drinks left behind by tourists.

Wildlife officials caught the animal after photos of the plump primate started circulating on social media last month.

Kacha Phukem, who conducted the capture and rescue, said: ‘It was not easy to catch him.

‘He was the leader of his pack, and when I tried to go in, I had to fight off a flock of them with sticks.’

Supakarn Kaewchot, a vet in charge of the monkey’s diet, said: ‘He had minions and other monkeys bringing food for him but he would also redistribute it to younger monkeys.

‘He is now in a critical condition where there is a high-risk of heart disease and diabetes.’

Wild monkeys, commonly macaques like Uncle Fat, roam free in many parts of Thailand and attract tourists who feed and play with them.

These animals typically weigh about 20lbs. At roughly 60lb Uncle Fat, believed to be aged between 10 and 15, is three times that.

Veterinarians hope to release the monkey within a few months.

She said Uncle Fat is an example of why people should not feed wild monkeys unhealthy food.

Vet Kaewchot said: ‘I understand that people feel sorry for the monkeys and want to feed them when they see them.

‘But please don’t feed them food that people like to eat like snacks and soda. It is very bad for their health and the problem is entirely man made.’

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Metro News

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