Timothy Allen

Monkeys Steal COVID-19 Tests

During the pandemic, these primates in India have taken “Monkey Business” to a whole new level.

May 29, 2020

On Thursday, a group of red-faced rhesus macaques attacked a lab assistant near Meerut Medical College in Delhi and ran away with test samples from potential COVID-19 patients. The monkeys climbed up into trees and chewed on the samples before throwing them back.

t-lorien

In old part of Delhi you have groups of monkeys on the street.

Close Call

Initially people were worried that this would cause an outbreak in the area, but the tests were retrieved, and none had been damaged. Meerut Medical College superintendent, Dheeraj Raj stated that, “They were still intact and we don’t think there is any risk of contamination or spread.” However, the patients were retested in order to ensure accurate results.

Timothy Allen

A family of Rhesus Macaques explore a city landscape. Most of Jaipur's urban monkeys are Rhesus Macaques who live a life of relative luxury since they are believed by local Hindus to personify Hanuman, the cherished 'Monkey God' who banished evil in the Indian epic Ramayana.

Monkeying Around During Lockdown

While this may seem like an event out of a movie, monkeys in India have become bolder during the pandemic. With the country under lockdown, many people who would normally stop and give food to the monkeys while out and about are staying home. Officials have asked the public not to feed the animals in order to minimize the risk of having the virus jump into the species. With a food source suddenly gone, people have reported that food and even cell phones have been stolen from them. It seems that the primates have taken matters (and other people’s belongings) into their own hands.

Next Up

Zoo Miami Tests Gorilla for COVID

Zoo Miami is taking every precaution to protect its gorilla population from COVID-19.

Bronx Zoo Tigers and Lions have Tested Positive for COVID-19

Nadia, as seen on Animal Planet’s THE ZOO, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus along with six other large cats—all are expected to recover, according to zoo officials.

The Truth About COVID-19 and Your Animals

Experts in the medical and veterinary fields help clear up rumors and answer your burning questions about how COVID-19 affects animals.

How COVID-19 Revived the World’s Addiction to Plastic

Surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizer bottles – all the most sought-after items in the coronavirus pandemic have one thing in common: plastic. So what does this temporary shift to single-use plastics mean for the environment and the world’s anti-plastic pledge?

Latest COVID-19 Ruling is Terrible News for the Planet

Companies do not need to meet environmental standards during the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Agency has said, in a move that could have deadly impacts on the planet.

How COVID-19 Could Be Good News For Endangered Wildlife

Trafficking of wild animals around the world may be coming to a close, thanks to the novel coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the globe.

Locust Swarms Plague India

With New Delhi, India on high alert after a nearby swarm of locusts, this terrifying natural phenomenon is enabled by ever-changing climate conditions and unique species behaviors.

A Woolly Rhino was the Last Meal of a Prehistoric Puppy

Russian Scientists are hypothesizing that the last living Woolly Rhino was eaten as the last meal of a puppy!

The Legend of the Black Mamba

How a snake inspired Kobe Bryant’s beloved nickname.

Meet Brood X: Billions of Cicadas Emerging Soon Within Eastern U.S.

Do you hear it? If you live in the Eastern U.S., it's likely the noisy entrance of the cicadas from Brood X as they emerge for the first time in 17 years.