The Aquatic and Marine Conservation Department of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up its efforts to manage monkey disturbances in the City Tunnel interchange and Hartland Road area after receiving numerous reports of monkey trouble in recent months. As part of these measures, the department has intensified patrols, driven away and captured monkeys, and conducted public education campaigns. The AFCD noted that several monkeys have been captured, including those frequently stealing food from people at the interchange. Over the past two weeks, specialist teams have observed and monitored monkey activity at the interchange, school entrances, residential areas, and nearby bus stops, particularly during peak foot traffic periods. When necessary, authorities have promptly drive away or capture troublemaking monkeys. The department has also enhanced public awareness through distributing pamphlets, advising people to avoid eating in the presence of monkeys, secure their food and garbage properly, and use safety precautions when encountering them. Following these interventions, the authorities reported a noticeable improvement in the monkey disturbance situation at the two locations. The AFCD will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed. The AFCD emphasized that the proximity of these locations to monkeys' natural habitat makes them attractive to the animals, and the situation can only improve if citizens and relevant parties work together to reduce the availability of food that attracts the monkeys. The agency stressed that feeding wild monkeys is illegal and can result in a fine of HKD 5,000, and it advised residents to maintain a safe distance from the animals and to report any serious or ongoing disturbances to the authorities.
The AFCD has found that certain monkeys are habituated to stealing food from people near the City Tunnel interchange and Hartland Road. Reports indicated that these monkeys were regularly seen at the interchange snatching food from passengers. In response, the AFCD has intensified its patrols and has captured several monkeys in the area. The department has established daily surveillance at the interchange, schools, residential areas, and nearby bus stops to monitor the animals and warn the public about the risks. In addition, the AFCD has distributed informational materials to educate the public on how to avoid provoking the monkeys and what to do if they encounter them. The AFCD noted that while the measures have led to a reduction in monkey disturbances, ongoing efforts are needed to prevent future incidents. The agency has also emphasized the importance of not feeding the wild monkeys, which is punishable by a HKD 5,000 fine, and has provided guidelines for how to safely coexist with the animals.