By KHT Staff. Photo via Facebook @FormosanMacaqueCoexistencePromotionAssociation.
KAOHSIUNG — A wild Taiwan macaque (台灣獼猴) at Shoushan (壽山) was filmed twisting the cap off a plastic drink bottle before raising it to its mouth, prompting renewed calls for visitors to keep food and beverages out of sight.
The video was recently shared on Facebook by the Taiwan Macaque Coexistence Association (台灣獼猴共存推廣協會). It shows the macaque quickly removing the cap, discarding it, and drinking from the bottle.
TVBS News reported on Oct. 20 that the association believes macaques around Shoushan Zoo (壽山動物園) have learned the technique through frequent contact with people.
According to the association, local macaques previously tended to strike bottles or bite through the plastic to reach their contents. Some have apparently learned that twisting the cap is a faster and less strenuous method.
The association said the behavior illustrates the animals’ ability to observe and respond to visitors’ habits. Macaques have also learned to associate plastic bags with food and can often find items that visitors attempt to conceal.
Visitors urged to conceal food
The association’s wildlife coexistence guidance advises people in macaque habitats to place food completely inside a backpack rather than carrying it in a visible plastic bag.
Visitors should also avoid eating while walking and should not carry exposed drink bottles, the group said. Macaques watching from elevated positions may spot such items before visitors notice the animals nearby.
An official notice on the Kaohsiung Travel website identifies Shoushan, also known as Chaishan (柴山), as a native habitat for Taiwan macaques. The notice asks visitors not to feed the animals and says people should release an item rather than struggle with a macaque that has grabbed it, reducing the risk of injury.
Area map: The precise filming location was not specified. View Shoushan Zoo and the surrounding area on Google Maps.
