The long-tailed monkey is nicknamed “Fat Uncle” with its large belly and gluttony, attracting many people out of curiosity. P

A long-tailed monkey known as “Fat Uncle” residing in a floating market in Bangkok, Thailand, has drawn attention from both tourists and locals due to its notably large size and voracious appetite. With its sizable belly, it’s clear why it has earned nicknames like “fat uncle” or even “pig monkey.” This monkey indulges in all the food and beverages offered by tourists, including watermelon, milk, sweet corn, and instant noodles.

The “Fat Uncle” monkey has become quite audacious and unapologetic about its eating habits. Due to its rapid consumption, this monkey weighs a whopping 27.27 kilograms, which is three times the average weight of a typical monkey. Its massive belly makes it difficult for the monkey to move comfortably.

Authorities received complaints from locals about the monkey’s appearance and decided to take action. They transferred the monkey to a wildlife sanctuary to address its weight issues before reintegrating it into its natural habitat with its fellow monkeys. The sanctuary performed a health check on the “Fat Uncle” monkey, and the results showed that it is perfectly healthy. The only necessary intervention is for the monkey to control its diet and weight to return to a healthier state.

Mr. Kawinpat Mongkoltechaphat, a spokesperson, explained, “The monkey is obese because it eats all the food brought by tourists. It is not sick and just needs to be on a diet. Its hobby is eating, and tourists pamper it too much.”

Currently, the monkey’s daily diet is closely controlled, limited to 0.4 kilograms per day, with only two meals allowed. The meals primarily consist of fruits and vegetables, with reduced fat and limited protein content. Additionally, the monkey is encouraged to engage in physical activity to shed excess weight.

Mr. Kawinpat also noted that there are other obese monkeys in the area, often due to their older age, as they tend to be less active and more inclined to sit and eat throughout the day.

The “Fat Uncle” monkey’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, even for our primate cousins.