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Jeanette Wang
Sports Reporter
Get that monkey off my back!
January 13, 2009 Tuesday, 06:22 PM
Jeanette Wang gets on the trail of those who make the wild monkeys wilder.
IF THERE'S one surefire way of getting better at running, head for a run at the Peirce or MacRitchie Reservoirs. I'm not talking about MacRitchie's tough, undulating off-road dirt trails or the long ascents at Peirce that provide a great workout for your legs. I'm talking about the monkeys - some hundreds of them - that call those nature reserves home. You can count on them to take your pace higher or even lengthen your intended route. How? Well, I went for a 1hr 30min run at MacRitchie Reservoir's trails yesterday afternoon and that's what the monkeys did to me. About an hour into my run I encountered some monkeys along the narrow dirt path. One especially large monkey sat in the middle of the path and had its back to me as I approached. I slowed down, thinking the monkey would scamper off into the trees once it saw me. Oh, I was so wrong. As I got to within half a metre of it, it turned and looked at me with menacing eyes, then roared and chased me like a tiger in a monkey's clothing. Any weariness I was feeling at that point disappeared straightaway, as I turned my body and sprinted as fast as my legs could carry me back in the direction I came from. Once I got to about 100 metres away, I looked back and saw that the monkey had given up near the base of the upslope. Phew. Or so I thought. As if being forced to take a longer route back to my start point was not enough for the day, I encountered yet another monkey. This one was much smaller and scampered up a tree as I approached. But, by then I had been struck by ape-o-phobia (if there is actually such a thing), so I turned around and took an even longer route back. Of course, I don't blame the monkeys for doing what they did. If there's anyone at fault, it's all thse people who continue to feed the animals - even under signs put up by NParks that read: "Stop feeding the monkeys. Fine: $500." I've even encountered countless cars that deliberately stop along Peirce Reservoir to feed the monkeys. According to experts, feeding the monkeys changes their dietary habits and makes them aggressive when they are denied food. These monkeys, who were born to be hunted by predators and hunt for prey, are increasingly becoming domesticated and aren't afraid of humans anymore. How would you like it if you or your familly or friend got attacked by a monkey? I'm sure, then, you would rather have those furry creatures starve instead. (And, no, they won't starve because it's in their nature to hunt for their own food). So, please. If you want to feed monkeys, go to the Zoo instead. Spare a thought for us runners and hikers. Have you ever being attacked by a monkey? Tell us your story here! Tags: environment, singapore, sports 
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Thanks to all who posted their comments. Just an update: I ran at Kent Ridge Park and along the Canopy Walk on Wednesday, and guess what was in my way again? Yep... a lone monkey. Along came a lady walker behind me and we both stopped, then approached two other ladies. Thankfully a male jogger came by and I followed him through. The monkey did not budge. But guess what the pair of ladies did? Looking at the monkey, one said: "Aw, are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?". Sigh, only when one gets attacked will one learn his/her lesson!
It’s nice to walk in the Singapore nice parks like Mc Ritchie. However, when you have been chased to such monkey's – I’ve got a similar experience - you will leave that territory to the monkeys. You won’t come back.
It would be fantastic if the respective boards could step up their measurements - like patrols, cctv or population control measurements - to enjoy the Singapore’ parks again.
You have my sympathies. It's not amusing when you're alone and afraid for your own safety. Many of us nature enthusiasts who enjoy a day out in the reserves, either just observing or photographing nature also encounter these little irritants. You broached on the territory of an alpha-male of a particular troop. The 'duty' of the alpha-male is to protect his troop. Normally, when we encounter one, a way that appears to work is to stand your ground and stare at it. It will bare its teeth and look threatening, but if it senses fear in you, it will be bolder. If you have to step back, move to a safe distance and walk away. (Some people I know have thrown rocks at them, and they usually scamper away)
But, yes, the bane of all these problems are people who feed them. I have lots of photographs of cars parked by the road side with the occupants feeding monkeys. However, I was told that you need hard evidence like videos, number plates and so on, before the authorities can take action. Otherwise, the culprits will claim that they were just sitting in the cars and watching the monkeys... Ya... right... they make a monkey of the authorities...
The monkey problem at pierce is worsening. These days, they use the roof of my house as an "expressway" to access the less guarded houses at the interior of the neighborhood. To clarify, I live at the "frontier" (garden joins the forest), and I have a 24 hour sentry in the form of a dog.
It appears that the $500 fine is not well enforced. Previously, the slated fine for feeding the monkeys was an absurd $10000. That may have led to the wardens being less willing to issue a fine. I believe that $500 is an equitable punishment. The authorities should be more willing to enforce the law, mete out the punishment, and step up patrols (especially during the weekends).
I always go to upper pierce and you are right, many cars are parked there. Parents teaching their child in the car on how to feed the monkeys. Its like a Safari. Hope Nparks/NEA/Police step up their petrol or install CCTV.
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