Life at a Bangkok market took a dangerous turn for a macaque named Godzilla due to an unnatural diet. This video documents the rescue and rehabilitation of the obese monkey whose struggle exposed the tragic risks of human interaction with urban wildlife.
What’s more, Godzilla’s case raises serious issues about the growing popularity of keeping monkeys as pets. In the UK, thousands of pet monkeys could now be seized and killed as a ban on keeping the animals approaches. The RSPCA estimates there are between 4,000 and 5,000 marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys and other primates in UK homes, according to the Daily Mail. Under new laws coming into place on April 6, owners will have to prove they can keep monkeys and primates to high 'zoo-level standards' as well as require a licence.
Godzilla’s case shows exactly why such a ban is needed.
What happened to Godzilla?
Godzilla lived with his owner who ran a market stall in Thailand. He was popular with visitors, who often fed him chocolate and sugary snacks. This caused Godzilla’s weight to balloon to more than 20kg, nearly double the normal size for a macaque.
In 2021, authorities intervened, moving him to a rescue center for an emergency weight-loss program. Veterinarians replaced junk food with a strict diet of lettuce, dill, and crickets. To help him recover, staff even introduced swimming sessions, helping the famous monkey move toward a healthier life. However, under local laws, he was never allowed to return to his owners and they visited him at the animal sanctuary.
Why this clip became popular
Godzilla’s story was repackaged and told on the YouTube channel Beast Planet. Just like the original coverage in the world media, the unusual story has shocked viewers once more online. The situation has a number of aspects that keep viewers watching.
- Visual shock: Seeing a wild animal with extreme obesity triggers an immediate emotional response, showing how common snacks became a life-threatening problem for a captive creature.
- Misplaced kindness: The story highlights the unintended consequences of feeding wildlife. It shows the heartbreaking result of treating a wild animal like an entertainer rather than a biological being.
- Rescue narrative: The footage offers a satisfying resolution. Godzilla’s journey from immobility to a strict rehabilitation program creates a survival story viewers feel compelled to share.
Opportunities for licensing
True stories just like Godzilla’s rescue and recovery are ever popular. Plus, there’s a genuine public interest in media outlets publishing them. ViralPress regularly works with animal rights organisations such as PETA to help expose and publicise such situations. Do you know of a similar case to Godzilla? Upload footage to let the world see viralpress.com/upload.
