Despite warning signs displayed in four languages, some tourists visiting Son Tra Peninsula in Danang City continue to approach wild monkeys and offer them snacks, biscuits and even bottled drinks.
Warning signs in several languages prohibit the feeding of wild animals in an area frequented by monkeys (Photo: Bao Tram - Khanh Linh).
Along the roads leading through Son Tra Peninsula and around Linh Ung Pagoda, groups of wild monkeys are frequently seen close to the roadside. The animals often sit on rocky outcrops, embankments and roadside barriers, attracting visitors who stop to watch, photograph and film them.
Although warning signs prohibiting the feeding of wild animals have been installed throughout the area, some tourists continue to approach the monkeys and hand them food.
The signs, displayed in Vietnamese, English, Japanese and Korean, are positioned at multiple locations and clearly state: “Do not feed wild animals”.
Nevertheless, visitors were observed feeding monkeys within sight of the warnings.
Packets of flavoured snacks and other processed foods were handed directly to the animals. In some cases, tourists offered bottles of water or soft drinks for the monkeys to hold and drink.
A monkey drinks from a bottle handed to it by a tourist (Photo: Bao Tram - Khanh Linh).
Once food appeared, the monkeys quickly approached. Some animals stretched out their hands or moved close to visitors in anticipation of being fed.
Several monkeys were also seen snatching food directly from tourists’ hands. Food wrappers and discarded packaging were visible along roadsides, on grassy areas and near locations where monkey groups commonly gather.
Monkeys have also become accustomed to seeking out water sources. Some were observed turning on taps themselves and competing with one another for access to drinking water.
Tourists give food to monkeys in the grounds of Linh Ung pagoda (Photo: Bao Tram - Khanh Linh).
According to observations by local media, the growing interaction between monkeys and tourists not only affects the natural environment of the peninsula but may also create safety risks when visitors approach too closely, attempt to touch the animals, tease them or offer food.
A representative of the Son Tra Peninsula and Danang Tourism Beaches Management Board said the practice of tourists and local residents stopping along roadside areas to feed monkeys remains common despite repeated warnings from authorities.
The official added that while many people believe they are showing kindness to the animals, the behaviour can in fact cause serious harm to both the monkeys and visitors. Feeding wildlife can alter natural behaviour, increase dependence on humans and heighten the risk of conflict between animals and people.