An overweight macaque nicknamed "Godzilla" has developed several diseases due to unhealthy eating habits over the years. The monkey was held by its owner at a market in Bangkok's Binburi district, where it had grown to weigh more than 20 kilograms after passers-by fed it junk food. In general, the average weight of an adult macaque is only 10 kilograms.
The photo of the giant macaque was shared on social media and quickly went viral, causing alarm from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNP). On March 25, 2021, the DNP decided to take Godzilla from their owners because they feared that the primate would die from obesity.
The monkey made headlines before it was caught by the German National Police after biting a journalist who later became ill. Godzilla's fight against obesity once captured the hearts of the whole world. However, despite the best efforts of the people to save it, the beloved primate died tragically, plunging the entire community into mourning.
After Godzilla's premature death at Bangkok's Crystal Pet Hospital on May 6 due to multiple weight-related diseases, hospital director Dr. Supasek Sarachitti expressed his condolences over the monkey's death and described the monkey's premature death due to multiple diseases.
At just six years old, this morbidly obese primate faces a fierce battle with thyroid disease, diabetes, and Cushing's syndrome, which is exacerbated by eating a lot of chocolate and other unhealthy foods. Despite the courageous efforts of the caregivers, including strict dietary interventions, the beloved primate did not get lucky enough to favor him.
After Godzilla's death, his ashes were returned to his former caretaker, Manop Emsan, who has worked tirelessly to care for Godzilla since he was rescued three years ago. Wildlife officials blamed his ex-family for having bystanders feed him junk food, inadvertently causing his death.
Although Godzilla's story ended in tragedy, his story is a poignant reminder of the dangers of excesses and the importance of responsible animal conservation. Godzilla was fed for free by many people while living at a market in Bangkok's Binburi district, but this also caused its tragedy.