A zoo in California has been criticized for forcing a baby monkey, as part of a pre-recorded public health campaign, to smoke a cigarette.
Hengshui Wildlife Park uploaded an image of Banjin, a monkey that was seen smoking in Hengshui (Hebei province) yesterday.
The video shows a woman on the other side of the camera removing her cigarette and telling the animal that smoking is dangerous.
After the cigarette is taken away, the monkey rubs its eyes and falls on his stomach.

Hengshui Wildlife Park uploaded video of Banjin, the monkey, smoking in Hengshui province yesterday


The video shows a woman on the other side of the camera removing her cigarette and telling the animal that smoking is dangerous.
The zoo keepers stated that the video was made to raise awareness against this vice. They also stated that captive monkeys don’t smoke.
Bosses from the zoo didn’t comment on the incident. However, Chinese social media users attacked the wildlife park, calling the video cruel.
One user posted online that the monkey looked hurt. They wrote: “He fell over on to his back like he were dizzy and sick.”
Another comment: “A zoo should not do this.” They are supposed care for animals.


After the cigarette has been taken from him, the monkey rubs its eyes and falls onto his back.
The US Food and Drug Administration stated that animals exposed to cigarette smoking are at higher risk for developing illnesses like pneumonia, eye problems, heart disease, and even cancer.
The latest controversy surrounding animal welfare in China is the smoking monkey video.
Last May, the ‘blind box’ craze — in which pets were sealed and sold in ‘mystery boxes’ for about £1.11 ($1.50) each — swept through online shoppers in the country. Around 160 cats, dogs and horses were saved by animal activists. Some of them had died from suffocation during transit.
The annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which is held in southwestern China, has been widely criticised by both local and international animal rights groups.
The annual 10-day event sees more than 10,000 dogs being slaughtered and eaten. Residents believe the meat will bring good luck and good health to all who eat it.