Time is running out to save the 30 monkeys in Indonesia's last 'training centre'.

Known as Topeng Monyet (“dancing macaques”), these desperate animals endure a brutal life. Being chained in tiny cages, starved and having their teeth ripped out is just the start… 

Already traumatised from being stolen from their families, these poor monkeys endure unimaginable abuse as they are 'trained' to become dancing monkeys. Beaten, starved and hung, the trainers don't stop until these monkeys are completely broken. Only then do they chain them and take them to perform, day after day, for tourists. Dressed up, forced to dance, ride bicycles and even smoke, they are kept in tiny boxes and only let out to make money for their owners.

Despite being banned in large parts of the country, life for Indonesia’s dancing monkeys is one long cycle of misery and cruelty.

We were there at the start when our partner Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) begun the fight to free Indonesia's dancing monkeys, and with the end of the practice finally in sight, we've joined forces again for the last major rescue.

Cirebon, in West Java, is home to the last major training centre in Indonesia. JAAN have been working with local authorities to prepare the ground-breaking rescue of the last 30 monkeys. If we can free the 30 monkeys trapped in the centre, we will be close to ending this inhumane trade, forever.

Together, we can help end this horrific practice and give these 30 abused monkeys their lives back. 

 We have planned this rescue to take place in only four weeks’ time –aiming for mid-September. By giving a gift today, you could finally give kindness to monkeys who have only known cruelty.   

 Any gift you can give will help fund this rescue, and the care of all 30 monkeys when they are brought to the safety of JAAN's dedicated sanctuary. There, they will get the best veterinary care possible, and the nutritious food and space they need to begin recovering.  

 Most animals that have been captured and ‘trained’ in such a brutal way can never be released back to the wild, instead living out the rest of their days in sanctuaries. However, thanks to our partner’s extensive rehabilitation work, these monkeys have a chance to be released on the island of Nusa Barong, off the west coast of Java. With humans banned from the island, they will finally be free to explore the treetops, forage for fruit and live truly wild lives.  

This will be a ground-breaking moment in the fight to end the dancing monkey trade in Indonesia. 

Together, we will give these monkeys a life worth living.

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We will use your donation where the need is greatest to protect animals, like those featured in this appeal, from cruelty and suffering.

Images are by JAAN