Monkey unfazed by crowd at Gardens by the Bay — and even calmly poses for photos
https://stmp.sg/BmGX
Based on the article provided, here is the summary of the incident at Gardens by the Bay:
Event Overview
On May 23, 2026, around 6:00 PM, a contributor named Vens witnessed a monkey calmly interacting with a crowd at Gardens by the Bay. The monkey descended from a tree and walked through an area where tourists were lying on the grass waiting for a show.
Key Highlights
- "Posing" for Photos: The monkey sat down on a grass patch and appeared completely unfazed by the surrounding crowd. Vens noted that it seemed to be enjoying the attention and allowing tourists to take its picture.
- Calm Demeanor: In one instance, the monkey approached a woman holding a phone and settled down just a meter away from her. Vens suggested the animal likely hadn't had bad experiences with humans, making it feel comfortable enough to "pose."
- Visual Evidence: Photos and videos show the monkey staring directly into the camera lens while other parkgoers watched from the background.
Safety Advisory
Despite the monkey's seemingly friendly behavior, the article highlights guidelines from the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for encountering macaques:
- Avoid eye contact: Do not look directly at them.
- Back away slowly: Do not turn your back or run away.
- Keep food/objects hidden: Hide or discard items that might attract their attention.
- Do not feed or touch: Avoid chasing, cornering, or feeding the animals.
This sighting follows other recent incidents in Singapore, such as monkeys climbing buildings in the Punggol Digital District and HDB blocks in other sectors.