A monkey who lived in a tiny cage wedged between two buildings has finally been rescued – after 25 YEARS living in horribly cramped conditions
The macaque – who has been named Joe – was discovered inside the dark cage he called home for over two decades in Bangkok, Thailand.
A resident in the city had spotted Joe inside the cage and was worried that he was suffering so emailed the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) for help.
The team met up with the man who emailed them, who led them to Joe’s home – a tiny space that was wedged between the walls of two buildings.
Emerging from the darkness, Joe peered out into the light and it soon became clear just how much he had suffered over the years.
WFFT founder Edwin Wiek said: “I have seen a lot of animal suffering in the last 17 years, but I would say that the condition the monkey was kept in was probably in the ‘top 10’ of most horrible cases.
“Joe was dirty and very weak, as his cage was so small he could not walk or climb at all and his muscle tissue was almost gone.
“His teeth were very bad and he was dehydrated.”
Describing the 3ft-long cage as a “hellhole”, Wiek went on to describe how Joe had survived with very little water, living in his own dirt and faeces.
The only light came from the sun shining through the wire of his tiny window.
After pulling Joe out of his cage, the team tracked down his owner, who was only too happy to let his pet be rescued.
He told them that Bangkok Zoo had offered to take him several years ago but had demanded more money than his owner could afford to support the monkey.
Joe is now being cared for by WFFT and is said to be happy exploring the space he now has at his disposal.
Wiek said: “He walks around but is not able to climb yet, too weak and without the experience to do so.”
Macaques can live up to 35 years and it is hoped WFFT has more years left in him to finally enjoy life.