Editorial photo #11050468 Human Interest

Snake Charmer Handles A Toque Macaque

A snake charmer and a tamed Sri Lankan Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica) are performing like in a circus on the Galle Face promenade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on March 5, 2024. In the bustling streets of Sri Lanka, a young Toque Macaque is being coerced into a circus-like performance by an Ahikuntaka, a traditional group known for such practices. The tender age and evident exhaustion of the macaque betray the cruelty of its exploitation, highlighting the unethical practice of using wildlife for profit-driven entertainment. Despite its natural instincts and need for care, the macaque is being forced to perform unnatural acts beyond its physical and emotional capacity. Moreover, this exploitation emphasizes the harsh reality of individuals selling innocent animals to earn money, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. Addressing this issue requires the acknowledgment and rectification of the exploitation of innocent animals for monetary gain. Only through such measures can we hope to break free from this cycle of exploitation and ensure a brighter future for the young Toque Macaque and all involved. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)