“Monkey whisperers” hired to stop monkeys disrupting badminton championship

A team of “monkey whisperers” have been hired to stop monkeys crashing the world badminton championships.

In January, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi played host to the India Open, an annual badminton event. During the tournament, a monkey was sighted in the stands and play was disrupted when droppings and debris from a bird’s nest fell onto the court.

Now, in order to avoid similar disruptions at the world championships, the organisers have hired a team of “monkey whisperers” to try and stop the primates from gatecrashing.

They imitate the calls of langurs

Monkeys are normally revered in the majority Hindu nation, but New Delhi is different. They are particularly bothersome in the capital, trashing residences, gardens, and offices, as well as attacking people for food.

As such, the organisers at the stadium have enlisted the help of “monkey wallahs”. These are men who imitate the calls of langurs, who are the natural enemy of smaller primates such as rhesus macaques.

Nazar Khan, 65, comprises the four-person team of monkey wallahs that have been hired to drive away the monkeys from the stadium. Speaking to AFP, Khan discussed the dangers at the venue. “There are three-four monkeys and two fat ones who many say are dangerous,” he said. “But we make specific noises that drive them away. We know our stuff.”

“There are perils in this profession and sometimes we get bitten as well,” said fellow monkey wallah and Khan’s nephew, Faryad Ali. “But it’s all part and parcel of our trade. We get bitten and move on. No injections, nothing. Just chilli powder on the wound and we are back in action.”

The venue is not taking any chances with animal pests, and have also made plans to coat the roof of the venue with a non-toxic gel to stop pigeons from landing there.

For similar stories, check out our coverage of a baby monkey raised with a plushie, or the world’s oldest gorilla celebrating his 69th birthday.