Thailand Monkeys Given a Massive Feast
2009-11-30 10:23
Monkeying around in Thailand… and for once, these primates aren't stealing the food.
Instead they are honored guests at this annual monkey feast in Lopburi.
Platefuls of colorful food, delicious enough for human consumption, are given to the city's most famous residents.
The monkey buffet is staged at sacred Khmer ruins and honors the place the long-tailed macaques hold in Thai legend.
A giant tower of fruit, vegetables and assorted Thai deserts formed the centerpiece of the mass celebration.
There wasn't any champagne but Pepsi seemed just fine.
All this monkey business is big business in Lopburi, with the event bringing in thousands of visitors every year.
[Sara Arntz, American Tourist]:
"It's really cool. It is a different thing than anything we have in America. Monkeys just fly everywhere, stealing food. It is really cool. It is once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Monkeys are a both a bane and a blessing in the city.
The thousands of naughty, greedy animals are given free rein and often cause havoc.
But for those who take the time to make their offerings at the feast, there might just be a free head massage as a thank you.
