Notes » Monkey Man Jr.
Notes » July 2004
Monkey Man Jr.
In 2000, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department seized a rhesus macaque named Kam Ying from her 90-year-old owner, Chan Yat-biu, an herbal medicine maker known as the Monkey Man.
Public outcry resulted in more than 10,000 signatures on a petition, which in turn spawned a judicial review. The court ruled on behalf of Chan, saying it would be unfair to remove the monkey as he was devoted to it, despite a law, enacted in 1976 to protect wild or endangered species, against keeping such animals.
A special one-time-only license was granted to Chan to own Kam Ying, provided he could fulfill his obligations in caring for her.
After his death in June 2004, his son Chan Yiu-wing wanted to inherit the license.
She stares at my father's empty bed and at the door, sometimes scratching it with her hands as though she thinks he is coming back.
I want to keep her ... and continue my father's work to help people with our medicine.
It was revoked when Chan Yat-biu died, but AFCD reconsidered and met with his son to determine whether he'll be allowed to keep Kam Ying; officials want to ensure he's sincere and responsible. Chan looked after the monkey for the past two years during his father's illness.
No decision has yet been made, though the animal was raised from infant to adult by the elder Chan and is accustomed his son's companionship.
Regardless of Chan Yiu-wing's attachment and given Kam Ying's behaviour, confiscating and relocating her may cause her more emotional distress.
Nit-picking wouldn't be in the monkey's best interest.
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