Watch: Wild monkey has become a self appointed traffic police

Monkeys have long been the masters that entertain human beings with their antics, they often go viral as they try to mimic human behaviours mischievously. From stealing food to doing funny juggles on wires across streets, their acts never fail to amuse us. While moments like these make for great social media content, they also bring to light some important issues about wildlife and its interactions with urban life.
Though these might seem attractive, they raise issues about their shrinking natural habitats. As urbanisation and deforestation push animals closer to cities, these viral moments are also reminders of the delicate balance between humans and nature.
Recently a wild monkey managing traffic in the bustling streets of Thailand has left the internet in awe. Captured in a viral video, the monkey is seen standing confidently in the middle of a busy road, waving its hands to direct vehicles, much like a traffic police officer. This catchy yet unexpected sight has gone viral online, with viewers talking about the monkey’s wit and skill.
While the monkey's actions seem amusing at first glance, officials have pointed to a deeper issue behind this unusual encounter. Increasing population and deforestation are increasingly forcing wildlife to venture into human-dominated areas, leading to such strange and, at times, concerning interactions. This monkey’s traffic-handling abilities, though a rare and seemingly innocent occurrence, highlight the impact of human activities on wildlife behavior.

Social media users have expressed a range of emotions in response to the video. Some praised the monkey for its intelligence, and one user humorously said, “The monkey is performing better than some traffic officers I have seen!” Another joked about giving it an official uniform for its “efforts.” On the flip side, others expressed concern over the situation. A user commented, “This is sad and funny. We are making animals live in our world rather than preserving theirs.”

The incident has also raised conversations about animal exploitation in Thailand. Alongside the viral video, PETA has once again called attention to the unethical treatment of monkeys in the coconut trade. Here, monkeys are often chained and trained to climb trees to collect coconuts, for which the organisation is actively campaigning to end. Several global brands have already pledged not to use products that involve monkey labour, but PETA says that more needs to be done to protect Thailand’s wildlife.
This viral video, while a source of joy for many, also highlights the profound and growing challenges faced by animals adapting to human encroachment.