The accompanying photographs, captured by Nguyen Cong Hung, depict monkeys residing in close proximity to the Linh Ung Pagoda within the Son Tra Peninsula. These monkeys exhibit evident signs of physical injury such as damaged limbs and bloodied wounds, resulting in significant challenges in their ability to maneuver and ascend trees.
According to the photographer, who dedicated a period of two months to observing and capturing photographs of the primates, the wounds exhibited by the monkeys are most likely a result of human intervention.
The rangers in Son Tra District believe that the monkeys have been injured in accidents involving tour buses that transport visitors to and from the pagoda on a daily basis.
In recent years, the pagoda in Da Nang has gained considerable fame as a popular tourist attraction. Consequently, the monkeys inhabiting the surrounding area have grown increasingly comfortable and less timid in the presence of humans.
The animals’ feeding instincts have been impacted by frequent contact with tourists, who often feed them. As a result, they have become increasingly reliant on food provided by visitors.
Despite local authorities advising against it, many tourists still choose to feed the animals for photo opportunities.
The situation has led to occurrences of tourist-targeted monkey attacks, as the animals are compelled to search for sustenance. Regrettably, the blame is frequently misplaced on the innocent creatures instead of the individuals who encroach upon their native ecosystem.
In a recent incident, a local photographer faced public outrage after a video surfaced on social media, showing him using a slingshot to target monkeys at Linh Ung Pagoda.
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| A photographer is seen using a slingshot to attack monkeys at Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Ngoc Truc |
The photographer stated that his intention was to deter the animals from disturbing tourists who visit the area, rather than directly targeting the monkeys.
The local authorities subsequently summoned L. for his actions, but chose not to impose any penalties as he had not harmed any monkeys.
L. was also obligated to make a firm commitment to refrain from repeating his action.
Son Tra, also known as Monkey Mountain, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including monkeys, langurs, and other native animals.
With the rapid growth in tourism and the expanding human presence on the peninsula, the local wildlife has been subjected to an escalating series of threats to their survival.
Nguyen Cong Hung has captured some compelling photos of Son Tra’s monkeys that have sustained injuries. Please note that the following images may be disturbing to some viewers.
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| A monkey that has lost two of its limbs struggles to walk with its remaining limbs in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey that has lost its left arm suffers from another wound on its neck allegedly from being shot in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey looks at an open wound on its belly in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey comforts a friend that suffers from an injury allegedly from being shot in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey that has lost three of its limbs is seen scratching its head by its only hand left on a rock near Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey that has lost its left foot is pictured hugging the injured limb in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey that has lost its left arm cares for its young in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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| A monkey that has lost a large swath of hair on its back is pictured in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Hung / Tuoi Tre |
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