According to Venerable Thich Tinh Hai, the abbot of Linh Ung Pagoda, this phenomenon has been going on over the past 15 years. The monkeys are from limestone mountains near the pagoda in Vinh Loc District’s Vinh Anh Commune.
The monkeys come to Linh Ung Pagoda every day
Hai said that initially, he used to give corn to them. Then, gradually, the monkeys got familiar with seeking food at the pagoda. Over the past five years, explosives have been used for quarrying, scaring monkeys. As a result, more monkeys have relocated to Linh Ung Pagoda for shelter.
Over the recent years, to ensure a food source for the wild monkey troop, Venerable Hai has encouraged visitors to bring along some corn as a way to treat the animals. He also hoped that local authorities would help minimise quarrying activities and take measures to help protect the monkeys.
In the winter, monkeys usually come to the pagoda 7-8 am, but in the summer they visit at more varied times.
