<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>335212</docID> <postdate>2024-12-13 09:06:56</postdate> <headline>Long goodbye for beloved monkey troop over health fears</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-335214" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/monkey-resized.jpeg" alt="" width="900" height="507" /></p> <caption>A macaque monkey troop that has lived in a Tasmanian park for 40 years will be left to die out. Photo: Launceston City Council</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Ethan James</strong> in Hobart</span></p> <p><strong>A troop of macaque monkeys that has called a city park home for four decades will be prevented from reproducing because of worries about ongoing inbreeding.</strong></p> <p>The monkeys, 10 of which were gifted to Launceston in Tasmania by Japanese sister city Ikeda in 1981, will die out in about 25 years as a result of a council decision.</p> <p>A unique attraction for the northern city, the monkeys' enclosure in a central park has been open to the public for viewing.</p> <p>In 2000, it was revealed the herpes B virus had spread through the monkeys but discussions about euthanasing the troop were not well received.</p> <p>Concerns about a lack of genetic diversity have increased in recent years.</p> <p>National biosecurity laws prevent the importation of the species, with advice to council recommending their management be given urgent attention.</p> <p>Veterinary advice said the best way forward was for surgical reproductive control of males, as opposed to culling or neutering some reproductive animals.</p> <p>The council was also concerned continued breeding would leave the enclosure overcrowded and negatively affect health and wellbeing.</p> <p>A council meeting on Thursday afternoon, which voted 10-1 in favour of sterilisation, was told there were signs of miscarriages and stillbirths in the troop.</p> <p>"We know the Launceston community cares very much about the welfare of the City Park monkeys," Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said.</p> <p>"That's a sentiment that's also very much shared by both councillors and staff.</p> <p>"The inability to introduce new genetic stock and the serious impacts on their health and wellbeing means we need to begin to consider the future of the troop.</p> <p>"(The) decision was a difficult one, but it prioritises the welfare of the monkey troop so we can keep them as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible.</p> <p>"The ... monkeys will still be with us for decades to come and we'll continue to care for them to the highest possible standards."</p> <p>Mr Garwood said he would write to the mayor of Ikeda to explain the decision.</p> <p>Councillor Andrea Dawkins, who supported the motion, said community expectations had changed.</p> <p>"Perhaps if we were offered this opportunity (to have monkeys) now, we wouldn't say yes," she said.</p> <p>"Animals in captivity purely for the enjoyment of people is something that we've moved through."</p> <p>Desexing of male monkeys is expected to take place across two years.</p> </body>