Wild monkeys at Angkor Wat, Cambodia's iconic temple complex, have become increasingly aggressive due to human interaction, particularly from YouTubers feeding them for online content. This has led to attacks on tourists, damage to ancient stonework, and destruction of information boards.
Wild monkeys at Cambodia's iconic Angkor Wat temple complex have turned aggressive, attacking tourists, damaging ancient stonework, and wreaking havoc on information boards. Officials blamed the escalating behavior on the interaction of YouTubers who, in an attempt to create viral content, have been feeding the monkeys.
This human interaction, according to the Apsara National Authority, which manages the Unesco World Heritage site, has transformed the macaques' natural behavior from wild animals to aggressive creatures that steal food and inflict injuries. The agency expressed growing concern over not only the monkeys' attacks on tourists but also their damaging of the centuries-old stone structures. They reported that the monkeys have been climbing and pushing stones, causing harm to the temples, in addition to destroying information boards. Long Kosal, a spokesman for the Apsara National Authority, urged tourists to avoid any interaction with the monkeys while visiting the ancient ruins. He also stated that the agency is actively seeking an appropriate solution to address this escalating problem. Angkor Wat, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, served as the capital of the Khmer Empire and remains Cambodia's primary tourist attraction. The complex welcomed over a million foreign visitors last year, generating significant revenue for the Southeast Asian nation. Since its designation as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat and its surrounding jungle have benefited from enhanced legal and physical protections. Wildlife sightings, including these aggressive macaques, are hoped to further attract tourists and promote conservation education efforts. Last year, the Agriculture Ministry announced a plan to conduct a census of monkeys in public areas and relocate those posing a threat to human safety
ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA MONKEYS TOURISTS TEMPLE DAMAGE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
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