Monkeys go on looting spree

Monkeys go on looting spree

JAKARTA (JP): A food crisis stemming from dwindling numbers of
tourists has forced monkeys in a West Java resort to go on a
looting spree, a press report said Wednesday.

Dozens of monkeys in the Penanjung forest reserve who normally
depend upon holidaymakers for food have begun to spring raids on
houses, motels and food stalls in the area, grabbing anything
they can get their paws on such as rice, peanuts, biscuits and
cold drinks.

Some were caught red handed stealing rice from a pot in a
kitchen and others have even run away with food laid out on the
dinner table.

Kompas reported that because of their long dependence on human
generosity, most of the monkeys no longer like their natural
food, which includes young leaves and fruit.

"When the number of tourists declines, the animals go hungry,"
a resident said.

Around 300 monkeys live in Penanjung reserve forest, but
locals estimate that only a hard core of about 80 of the guys
have been involved in the looting spree.

Before the crisis broke last year, up to 10,000 holidaymakers
visited the resort every day. That number has now plummeted to
around 700, according to the local tourist office. (pan)