Demand a Humane Removal of the Famous Rhesus Macaques of Florida

Most people are unaware that there are monkeys in the US. The nonnative rhesus macaque was brought to Florida in the 1930s in an attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Tarzan movies. The resulting theme park has come and gone, but the monkeys are still there, at least 175 of them in one park alone.

A recent study, however, has alarmed officials after scientist suggest that up to 30% of the primates could be carrying a disease that poses a serious threat to humans. Now, Florida wildlife officials are strongly considering "removing" the monkeys in order to protect the public.

Unfortunately, removal often means killing. These monkeys were brought here by people to profit from them and now after nearly a century of living in the state. When questioned, officials avoided saying that the removal efforts wouldn't include culling the animals.

Public health is extremely important and should always be the government's first priority however we have often seen the government resort to inhumane methods of animal removal because of expediency or sheer lack of regard for the animals in question.

If the famous rhesus macaques of Florida must be removed we must call on Florida wildlife management to do so in a humane, nonlethal way.

Please sign the petition to protect the rhesus macaques of Florida.