THAILAND – A three-year-old macaque touted as “Godzilla” has become an icon of a market in Bangkok’s Min Buri district for its Michelin Man-like figure thanks to obesity.
According to The Sun, Godzilla was tied to a market stall and often fed with junk food by visitors, resulting in a somewhat disproportionate body shape.
In an interview, Godzilla’s owner Manop said that she adopted him after his previous owner abandoned him.
She added that she feeds him and treats him well but hasn’t been able to keep his weight under control.
“Sometimes market-goers would find Godzilla cute and feed him. He has become a favourite attraction at the market.”
“Since young, he was [constantly] fed by humans. As such, he does not know how to find food on his own.”
Manop also noted that Godzilla is a picky eater and only accepts food from people he likes.
According to reports, wildlife officials got wind of Godzilla’s weight problem and sent him to a “fat camp”. There, he will be placed on a strict diet, exercise, and be taught how to survive in the wild before being released as it is illegal to keep macaques as pets under Thailand’s wildlife laws.
Sources: (The Sun)
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
