Wild Monkeys Invade Shamshuipo Neighborhood, Threatening Schoolchildren and Residents
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
A surge in wild monkey activity at Aitchison Street (郝德傑道) in Shamshuipo has prompted widespread concern among residents and parents, with the creatures invading school campuses and residential areas near Kam Shan Country Park. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department reported seven disturbance cases at the location as of September 30, matching last year's total, along with one injury incident. Local authorities have intensified patrols and captured six problematic monkeys while urging residents to avoid feeding the animals.
Key Points
- Kam Shan Country Park, spanning from Kowloon to Sha Tin, serves as the primary habitat for wild monkeys in Hong Kong and has long been nicknamed "Monkey Mountain" (馬騮山)
- Aitchison Street, situated very close to the country park, hosts luxury housing, government quarters, and schools, with heavy pedestrian traffic on the narrow road
- Resident Mr. Chan (陳先生) reported that monkeys stare him down and demand food, with the highest monkey activity occurring between 4pm and 5pm daily, primarily targeting students' plastic bags and bread
- Mrs. Chan (陳太), a longtime Aitchison Street resident, observed that large monkey groups have increasingly moved from the country park to surrounding areas, possibly due to food scarcity in their original habitat
- A nearby primary school reported a student suffered scratches during an interview day, and teachers have instructed students on proper monkey encounter protocols including avoiding feeding
Why It Matters
The escalating monkey-human conflict at Aitchison Street reflects a broader pattern of wildlife encroachment as monkey populations expand beyond their traditional habitat at Kam Shan Country Park. With the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department recording double the disturbance cases compared to the same period last year, the incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated public education and wildlife management strategies to prevent injuries and maintain community safety .
The escalating monkey-human conflict at Aitchison Street reflects a broader pattern of wildlife encroachment as monkey populations expand beyond their traditional habitat at Kam Shan Country Park. With the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department recording double the disturbance cases compared to the same period last year, the incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated public education and wildlife management strategies to prevent injuries and maintain community safety .