WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

Inside the disturbing and cruel world of Chinese 'monkey training'
Macaque monkeys huddle together in a cage in Xinye, Henan Province, China (Picture: Getty Images)
Chinese New Year on February 8 will see in the Year of the Monkey – which means monkey trainers in China are expecting big business from shows.
But the cruel practice is facing a growing backlash from people in the country concerned about animal welfare.
Most of these monkeys will be forced to perform at zoos, circuses and travelling performances.
Some macaques are made to wear frilly dresses and do backflips for audiences, or dress up as children and answer maths questions at a ‘monkey school’. Others are taught to perform with dangerous props, like sharp knives.
And the ‘training’ that happens before these shows is particularly disturbing.

Monkeys are held in tiny cages

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: Macaque monkeys are seen crowded in a cage on February 3, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Macaque monkeys crowded in a cage in Baowan village (Picture: Getty Images)

And kept in bare cement cells

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: Macaque monkeys crowd together in their cage at a monkey farm on February 3, 2016 in Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Young macaques in an empty cell in Xinye (Picture: Getty Images)

The distressed monkeys huddle together for comfort

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: Macaque monkeys crowd together in their cage at a monkey farm on February 3, 2016 in Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Macaques in Xinye crowding together (Picture: Getty Images)
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: Macaque monkeys crowd together in their cage at a monkey farm on February 3, 2016 in Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A group of monkeys hug each other in Xinye (Picture: Getty Images)

They are tied up with rope

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: A macaque monkey ris seen at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque at the Qilingang Monkey Farm in Baowan village, Xinye (Picture: Getty Images)
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Three macaque monkeys lay on the ground as part of their performance as they work with a trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Three macaques practise for their performance at Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
The monkeys are tied up during rehearsals and performances to prevent escape.

And suspended from walls

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Macaque monkeys are roped to a wall at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Macaque monkeys are roped to a wall at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Two macaque monkeys are roped to a wall at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Two macaque monkeys are roped to a wall at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)

Or beaten with sticks

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Three macaque monkeys react to their trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Three macaque monkeys react to their trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
These three macaques are visibly afraid of their trainer, and huddle together for comfort.

Which is all just part and parcel of their ‘training’

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: A macaque monkey works with its trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque monkey with its trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: A macaque monkey reacts to its trainer during a rehearsal for an upcoming show on February 3, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque reacts to its trainer during a rehearsal for a show in Baowan (Picture: Getty Images)
These monkeys are screaming after being ‘trained’ with a wooden stick during rehearsals.

Many of the monkeys end up injured

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: A macaque monkey whose nose is missing is seen at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque monkey whose nose is missing at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
This distressed macaque is disfigured because his nose is missing. It is not known how he lost his nose.

And are forced to perform with dangerous props

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Macaque monkeys hold plastic tubes as part of their training at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Macaques ‘trained’ with plastic tubes at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: Macaque monkeys hold plastic tubes as part of their training at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Macaques hold plastic tubes at Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
Such as these macaques being ‘trained’ to carry these incredibly large plastic tubes…
XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: A macaque monkey catches knives as it works with a trainer at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque monkey catches knives at the Qilingang Monkey Farm (Picture: Getty Images)
Or this tiny monkey forced to catch sharp knives in its mouth.

They are made to walk on two feet

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 02: A Chinese monkey trainer holds two macaque monkeys at the Qilingang Monkey Farm on February 2, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Two macaques at Qilingang Monkey Farm being made to perform (Picture: Getty Images)
Monkeys are not naturally designed to walk on two feet – it hurts them. A lot. Their backs and hind legs simply aren’t built to withstand the pressure of bipedalism.
Regardless of this, monkey trainers tie macaques to ‘leads’ fashioned out of rope and holds them upright, forcing them to walk on their two hind legs.

And carry large props around

XINYE, CHINA - FEBRUARY 03: A macaque monkey performs during a rehearsal for an upcoming show on February 3, 2016 in Baowan village, Xinye county, Henan province, China. The area boasts a centuries-long and lucrative history of raising and training monkeys for performance. In Xinye, villagers are seeing an increase in business with the lunar calendar's "Year of the Monkey". Farmers say most of the monkeys are bred and raised for domestic zoos, circuses, and performing groups, but add that some are also sold for medical research in China and the United States. Despite the popularity of the tradition, critics contend the training methods and conditions constitute animal cruelty. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
A macaque performs during a rehearsal for a show in Baowan village (Picture: Getty Images)
This monkey has been chained to stop it from escaping, and is being forced to walk painfully on its two hind legs while lugging a massive prop around. Spectators have brought their children along to watch.

Then they are squeezed into costumes

To go with China-New Year-animal-tourism-lifestyle,FOCUS by Tom Hancock This picture taken on January 26, 2016 shows Souma Takeshi, a trainer from Japan, working with his monkeys before a performance at a monkey training school in a zoo in Dongying, eastern China's Shandong province. Shows featuring performing simians, popular in China and throughout Asia, are expecting a boost in the Lunar New Year of the monkey, which begins on February 8. But they are facing a growing backlash from Chinese people concerned about animal welfare. AFP PHOTO / WANG ZHAOWANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images
Monkeys rehearsing at a ‘monkey school’ (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

And forced to perform

To go with China-New Year-animal-tourism-lifestyle,FOCUS by Tom Hancock This picture taken on January 26, 2016 shows a monkey gesturing with bowing motions during a rehearsal at a monkey training school in a zoo in Dongying, eastern China's Shandong province. Shows featuring performing simians, popular in China and throughout Asia, are expecting a boost in the Lunar New Year of the monkey, which begins on February 8. But they are facing a growing backlash from Chinese people concerned about animal welfare. AFP PHOTO / WANG ZHAOWANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images
Monkeys rehearsing in a ‘monkey school’ (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Monkeys are wild animals – they do not belong in human clothes. The clothes we wear would almost certainly not be comfortable for a monkey – they restrict movement, itch, and could affect their ability to breathe.
Takeshi Soma, the Japanese ‘headmaster’ pictured above at a zoo’s monkey school in Dongying, Shandong, said the performances were ‘funny’. ‘Our monkeys don’t listen to us very well,’ he said. ‘But that’s what’s funny about it all. Monkeys being natural and being themselves.’

He also trains monkeys to enact a mock Viennese ball while wearing sequinned waistcoats, and to pretend to be a rock band with miniature instruments.

China has no laws protecting non-endangered species – but a growing animal rights movement is calling out the displays for being cruel.
One staff member at Yangjiaping zoo in Chongqing said their monkey shows had been cancelled this year ‘because of a complaint about animal cruelty’.