Disgruntled monkey tears down 'No Feeding' banner in apparent protest

In a bizarre display of defiance, a wild monkey was caught on camera ripping apart a government banner that warned against feeding wildlife—a scene that has both amused and intrigued Hongkongers.

The incident, captured on June 16 and shared on social media, shows the primate targeting a sign that read, "Fixed penalty: $5,000," leaving the fine amount conspicuously torn away.

Netizens were quick to anthropomorphize the animal’s actions, with comments like, "It’s protesting its right to eat!" and "This monkey must be literate—it knew exactly where to tear." 

Others joked, "The Monkey King has spoken!" and "Times are tough—even monkeys are fighting for survival." Some, however, playfully scolded the culprit: "Oppose the policy all you want, but no vandalism, mate!"

The move came as the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department has recently intensified enforcement against illegal feeding, issuing HK$5,000 fixed-penalty notices to 10 individuals in May and 16 in April. Offenders risk fines up to HK$100,000 and a year in jail under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

The AFCD warns that feeding alters animal behavior and harms ecosystems, urging the public to report violations via 1823.

No monkeys were available for comment.

Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)