Launceston asks mainland Chinese to stop giving McNuggets to its famous macaques in city park — The Betoota Advocate

ERROL PARKER | editor | Contact

The City of Launceston has made a public appeal to visitors, especially from the mainland, asking them to stop giving McNuggets and other fast food to the popular Japanese macaques in City Park.

This appeal came after a series of incidents in which the monkeys were fed McNuggets, a processed chicken snack from McDonalds, prompting the local government to intervene.

Deputy Mayor William William expressed increasing concern about the health of the macaques, especially the patriarch of the group, who suffers considerably from the unhealthy treats.

“Our oldest macaque, Mr. Jiggles, who has been elected mayor on previous occasions and has been a symbol of this city for years, recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery and now has a pacemaker,” he said.

“It's not funny. It's a direct result of the junk food the tourists give him.”

A permanent fixture at City Park since 1980, the Japanese macaques are vital to Launceston's local economy and attract dozens of tourists each year.

The macaques generate significant revenue, boosting local businesses, cafes and hotels. The Tasmanian Government estimates that the pygmy primates contribute over $600 million to the local economy annually.

“Our macaques are not only a local treasure, they are also an economic lifeline,” Cr William said.

“We have a responsibility to protect them, not only for their sake, but for the community that benefits from their presence. Feeding them McNuggets is not a way to show love – it puts their lives at risk. The prognosis for Mr. Jiggles is not good.”

More to follow.