How Launceston got its macaques — and why they could be gone from Monkey Island
News that Tasmanians could lose their favourite monkey neighbours warrants a trip down memory lane, with some help from the ABC archives, and of course, from Launceston locals.
So how did Tasmania's second-largest city get its monkeys?
Macaques were chosed to replace the previous species of rhesus monkeys at the Launceston park. (City of Launceston)
Going back to 1979, and Launceston residents were saddened by the news their last rhesus monkey had died.
The population, introduced in the late 1800s to join other animals, including thylacines, on display, had deteriorated from inbreeding.
But there was hope in sight from a community which had kept monkeys by its side for more than 70 years — Ikeda, Launceston's Japanese sister city.
Macaque monkeys, which were no strangers to cold climates and would be well-suited to the region's frosty winters, were freighted to Tasmania from Japan.
A 'more attractive monkey'
In preparation, the City of Launceston forked out for a new and improved enclosure.
"They are a more attractive monkey than the present rhesus monkeys," the council of the day said.
"The new facility, we hope, will lend to the evolvement of a colony, a natural breeding colony of up to about 15 or 18 monkeys."
'Monkey Island'
Macaque monkeys were said to be "more attractive" than the last species kept at the park. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
There was a buzz among local kids rolling up their sleeves to welcome them — raising money, chopping woodfire, raking leaves and making monkey beds.
The outdated rhesus monkey cages were moved on to make way for the "new, open-air Monkey Island".
Ten macaque monkeys arrived at City Park and monkey business continues as usual in Launceston.
For a while, anyway.
Virus plagues monkey residents
By the year 2000 the macaques were on death row.
Nearly half the colony was carrying the Herpes B virus, and the council faced the gruelling decision of whether to put them all down.
But pressure mounted to keep them, including from animal welfare groups determined not to follow in the footsteps of Sydney's Taronga Zoo, which killed its monkeys two years earlier.
"They've been here for a long time, and life is valuable, they haven't asked to be put here, they've had this disease all along, and nobody's caught it," an activist at the time said.
That was backed by scientists — although it's now accepted humans can get the virus from monkeys if they come into contact.
The council unanimously voted to keep the macaques.
"They are a part of the Launceston family, they're part of the Launceston community," the council of the day said.
"There are not many visitors who go to City Park who wouldn't go and look at them."
The enclosure was redeveloped and a genetic management plan laid out.
In 2001, keepers attempted to introduce new animals in a bid to add some diversity into the mix.
The monkeys carried on, mostly peacefully — except perhaps when an intruder broke into their enclosure to steal coins tossed into the pond, forcing the council to put out a release warning the wrongdoer they may have exposed themselves to "potentially fatal" herpes.
Fast-forward to the year 2024, and the macaques' fate is once again in the balance.
Many Launceston residents and visitors have memories of visits to the macaque enclosure. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
Launceston's macaque heart
Next week, the council will vote whether to sterilise them and let them die out.
Increasingly inbred, with no prospect of importing new genetics, primate keeper Bridie Slattery said they had reached "a dead end".
"With social primates, it's very difficult to successfully introduce new animals," she said.
"Unfortunately, they were not accepted into the troop, so … the genetics weren't introduced."
If the motion passes, the park could be monkey-less within the next few decades, drawing sad reactions from Launcestonians.
Council has considered bringing in a different species once the macaques are gone. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
'It's a Launceston thing'
"I've lived here in Launnie since I was five, and I have many memories of bringing my children here and grandchildren — and me as a child," Chrissie Divona said.
"I feel very sad about it."
Chrissie Divona has many fond memories of coming to view the monkeys. (ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)
Council has raised the possibility of bringing in a different species once the macaques are gone, but for Ms Divona, it wouldn't be the same.
"There's something pretty cute about monkeys," she said.
"Children relate beautifully with them as well."
Macaques were chosen for Launceston because they can cope with cold climates. (City of Launceston)
Kate Marsden said sterilisation might be the best option if they could not be moved.
"If it's done humanely, it would be okay, but yeah, then they could also potentially be relocated instead," she said.
David Stone recalls his parents bringing him to see the monkeys when he was a child. (ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)
David Stone is against the idea of sterilising the monkeys.
"I believe that the monkeys should be left as is and let them see out their life, whatever that may be," he said.
"I've grown up around this district, and Mum and Dad always brought us here to the park, and the monkeys are part of our institution."
For some, paying a visit to the monkeys is a favourite Launceston past time.
Meghan Mussehl says coming to see the monkeys is a "Launceston thing" to do. (ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)
"I like that they're just in the middle of the City Park, hanging out, and they have such a nice enclosure," Meghan Mussehl said.
"They're always out, they're always doing stuff, and they're fun to watch.
"Just get a cup of coffee and come see the monkeys — it's a Launceston thing I guess."