Israel Grapples With Surge in Trafficked Monkeys
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Israel is experiencing a significant increase in the trafficking of green guenon monkeys, with over 100 believed to have been smuggled in the last 18 months. The monkeys are often subjected to severe abuse and mistreatment, with the trade linked to organized crime and fueled by social media demand. The Israeli Monkey Sanctuary has rescued 70 of these animals, providing rehabilitation and care despite facing funding challenges.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel has seen over 100 green guenon monkeys trafficked in the past 1.5 years.
- Trafficking is linked to organized crime using drones, often originating from Libya.
- Rescued monkeys are often mistreated, with broken bones and removed teeth.
- Social media platforms like TikTok are fueling demand for trafficked monkeys.
- The Israeli Monkey Sanctuary is caring for 70 rescued guenons.
- The sanctuary faces funding issues and a decline in visitor numbers.
The Israeli Monkey Sanctuary has seen a dramatic increase in trafficked green guenon monkeys, with over 100 believed to have been smuggled into the country in the past year and a half. Dr. Tamar Freedman, the sanctuary's director, reports that these animals are often mistreated, citing one instance where a monkey named Migu was doused in perfume and suffered a broken pelvis, likely from being violently thrown by her owner.
Freedman explains that the surge in trafficking is linked to organized crime, with the same networks involved in smuggling weapons and drugs now using drones to transport monkeys. These animals are believed to originate from zoos in Libya, sold to Egyptian soldiers, and then trafficked to Israel. The monkeys are treated as commodities, often sold for NIS 20,000-30,000 as status symbols, and are frequently subjected to abuse, including having their teeth removed or being kept in cages or tied up.
The trafficking is fueled by demand on social media platforms like TikTok, where videos range from cute monkey antics to explicit abuse. This online trade, described as a "sadomasochistic genre with animals," has led to a global increase in monkey trafficking. While some countries have begun prosecuting offenders, the problem persists online.
The sanctuary, located near Ben Shemen Forest, has taken in 70 of the trafficked guenons, with an estimated 30 still at large in Israel. These rescued monkeys undergo rehabilitation and social integration programs. Despite facing funding challenges and a significant drop in visitor numbers since the pandemic, the sanctuary continues its work, accepting animals from across Israel and even the Palestinian territories.
Freedman emphasizes that monkeys are not suitable pets and that the sanctuary aims to educate the public about responsible wildlife interaction, hoping to deter people from engaging in exploitative animal tourism. The sanctuary's efforts are crucial in combating the illegal trade and providing a safe haven for these animals, though ongoing construction projects are hampered by funding issues and the current security situation.