Urban Monkeys Are Too Chunky

Earlier this year, a story about a morbidly obese wild monkey made the rounds on the internet. “Uncle Fat,” as locals called the Bangkok macaque, had eaten so much junk food—think soda and chips—that he tipped the scales at 60 pounds, three times his healthy weight. Uncle Fat had accumulated a massive mound of flesh that dangled from his midsection, which interfered with his ability to move with ease. But no matter: The stout simian did not need to search for food. As the leader of his pack, minion monkeys regularly supplied him with more human treats.

Thai wildlife officials intervened. Uncle Fat is now under the care of a veterinarian, and is on a strict diet of lean protein, fruits, and vegetables—closer to what he would eat in the wild. The hope is that he’ll be able to be released soon.