30 monkeys to be rescued from last known dance training centre

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Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), with the backing of World Animal Protection, is spearheading the effort this autumn to liberate the animals from the abusive practice.  

These monkeys were taken from their natural habitat as infants. Seized at just 8 months old, they were subjected to horrific training routines. They’ve been beaten, starved, and hung by their necks – all for the amusement of shoppers and tourists. 

Tied by chains and dressed in doll costumes, these animals have been forced into standing on two legs, performing dance steps tricks and riding bicycles. When not on display for tourists, they are often confined to tiny, solitary cages for long periods. 

The practice of Topeng Monyet has been a longstanding tradition in parts of Indonesia. While it raises significant animal welfare concerns, it also presents public health risks, including the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis and salmonella. 

Long-tailed macaques are among the most traded and exploited primates in Indonesia, targeted for their intelligence and social capabilities. Overexploitation has led to their status as an endangered species, worsened by their use in the entertainment, pet, and research industries. 

These monkeys will be rescued and taken to a sanctuary run by our partners, JAAN, where they will finally get the care and medical attention they need to begin their recovery. 

While most animals that have endured such brutal treatment cannot be released back into the wild, thanks to JAAN’s extensive rehabilitation efforts, these monkeys will have the chance of a truly wild life once more.

On a protected, human-free island, they will finally be free to live again as wild monkeys—exploring the treetops, foraging for fruit, and enjoying the life they were meant to live.   

JAAN’s work in conjunction with local authorities aims not only to rescue the monkeys but also to help the handlers find alternative livelihoods, ensuring the complete closure of the last remaining monkey dance village. 

Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Head of Animal Welfare and Research at World Animal Protection, emphasised the importance of keeping wild animals in their natural habitat: 

Macaques are wild animals. They are not born to dance. Wild animals have a right to live where they belong: in the wild.

Dr. Schmidt-Burbach also commended JAAN’s efforts in curbing the cruel tradition across much of Indonesia: 

Our partners Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) and local authorities have made great progress in stamping out the dancing monkey trade across much of Indonesia over the last 15 years. We are proud to support them in shutting down this final venue of this practice.

Whilst Cirebon is the final dancing village, the Topeng Monyet practice itself is not yet illegal. JAAN’s ultimate aim is to ban the monkey dancing practice in Indonesia for good. We are supporting JAAN in their work with local authorities and charities to achieve this complete ban.

Macaques are just one example of the many animals suffering in dire conditions for human entertainment. World Animal Protection’s Bred for Profit research shows that approximately 5.5 billion animals are kept in wildlife farms worldwide, often enduring appalling conditions.

These animals are exploited for various purposes, including entertainment, tourist attractions, petting zoos, and even as sources for ornaments, luxury food, fashion items, or traditional medicine. 

We need to end the exploitation of all wild animals held in captivity for profit or entertainment.