Ethical Tourism: The Barbados Green Monkey
Though many of us love wild animals, we may be contributing to animal exploitation without even realizing it, through wild animal tourism. This includes the Barbados Green Monkey.
It’s understandable that people want to take a selfie with a Barbados Green Monkey for Facebook, or post a picture with a baby monkey on Instagram - they're adorable! But if everyone knew about the suffering these wild animals endure for this type of photo opportunity, they’d put their phones and cameras away. As cute as these monkeys are, they deserve to be respected and enjoyed from a safe distance.
This post is part of an ethical tourism mini series that I shared to celebrate #WorldWildlifeDay. This series also includes ANIMAL TOURISM + HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ETHICAL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS.
The life cycle of a captive Barbados Green Monkey
Animal exploitation and abuse is a global issue that happens in every country across the world. Mans relationship with animals varies greatly worldwide, depending on local laws and cultural differences. Unfortunately, animal cruelty and exploitation happens here in Barbados on a daily basis as well.
Here's the lifecycle of the captive monkeys:
- Despite what their owners may tell you, these wild monkeys have been taken from their mothers as babies. Sadly, the mothers are often killed in the process. They were not “rescued” or orphaned.
These baby monkeys are then paraded along the beach and at cultural events as a cute prop for photos.
- Once the monkeys mature, they are often dumped or killed as they aren’t as cute or easy to handle. They become aggressive and often bite.
- After they have been dumped in the wild or in urban areas, monkeys usually die. This because they have been hand raised and don’t know how to survive on their own. They are also often rejected by wild troops.
- Their owners move on + find another baby to use, and the cycle repeats itself...
One simple solution to this issue? Stop supporting this practice by refusing to take photos with monkeys.
Another solution is to lend you weight and support behind the animal rights and welfare groups in Barbados:
- Barbados RSPCA
- ROAR - Respect Our Animal Rights
- The Barbados Sea Turtle Project
- Animal Talk Magazine
- The African Green Monkey Project is planting fruit trees across the island, as part of an ongoing project initiated by Karen Howard-Tripp.
- Woodbourne Kennels
- K9 Friends Barbados
- The HORSE Charity Barbados
- The Ark Animal Welfare Society
- Action For Animals Barbados has more information on this project, as well as a petition for animal rights in Barbados.