A wildlife body today claimed that three rhesus macaque monkey, protected under the country's wildlife act were rescued by it near India Gate here.
The Rapid Response Unit of Wildlife SoS said it received a call about a monkey handler (madari) in possession of three rhesus macaques near India Gate.
It said that the family of three monkeys consisting of the father, mother and baby were being used for entertaining local and foreign tourists visiting the famous monument.
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On being questioned by a concerned passerby, the handler fled the scene, leaving his monkeys behind after which the passerby called the wildlife body's helpline.
The macaques are currently under observation and will be soon released back into the wild once deemed fit.
Wildlife SoS said that Rhesus macaques are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Monkeys used in street performances are usually snatched from the wild at a young age and often have their teeth pulled out.
"Despite being a protected species, the inhumane practise of dancing monkeys is prevalent in various parts of our country. They are constantly chained, beaten and made to starve for days as part of their training process.
"These highly intelligent animals are then forced to jump and perform tricks for human entertainment," said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS said.
Geeta Seshamani another co-founder the body said that capturing monkeys and using them for display and entertainment, is banned and is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
"Awareness regarding the illegality of the offense and the abominable treatment of these animals is incredibly important to curb cruelty and poaching of wildlife," she said.
