Monkeys in Kyauktaw go hungry amid conflict, hyperinflation

By Admin 03 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 August 2024, Kyauktaw

Ongoing armed conflict in Arakan State is also affecting monkeys living on Thaylar Giri Mawra Patta Mountain, a famous pilgrimage site in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township.

Monkeys there depend on food provided by pilgrims. But the ongoing hostilities, food shortages and hyperinflation mean few people are visiting the pagoda and fewer can afford to feed them. 

“Monkeys have started to steal the rice of nuns living on the mountain. They even go down the mountain and grab food and phones from the people. Perhaps hungry monkeys mistake phones for food,” said a resident.

Monkeys have even taken to crossing the Kisspanadi Bridge to beg for food in Kyauktaw Town, she added.

Thaylar Giri Mawra Patta Mountain is home to more than 1,000 monkeys.

“People can’t afford to feed them like they did before,” said another Kyauktaw resident. “Everyone is having difficulties at this time. Fruit prices are increasing. People can only afford to feed them peanuts.”

Monkeys also faced starvation at times during the Covid-19 pandemic and previous bouts of fighting. Some monkeys were killed when they were hit by passing cars while begging for food on the streets.