Samuiscape - Monkey Theatre

It is dogs that we normally think of when considering man's best friend, here on Koh Samui it's a different story. The coconut industry is still thriving here in Thailand, and the islands lush interior is a hive of activity during the day, when mans best friend the Monkey is working hard to gather coconuts.

It is really quite something to watch these little fellows working in the trees and it is something that you can marvel at while you are here on this amazing island. The Monkey Theatre and Training School is located on the road that is first left after the Bandon Hospital near to Bophut, it is well sign posted and well worth a visit. I am sure a lot of people question the integrity of using animals for shows and tourist entertainment but one visit to the monkey theatre and you will be more than satisfied that these monkeys are all in excellent health, they are happy, they are trained responsibly and in a caring manor.

Coconut production is vital to the economy and the local farmers of Koh Samui and a well trained, happy and healthy monkey is a valuable asset to a coconut farmer and respected as much, if not more than any western working dog. We spent half a day at the monkey theatre to lean more about these amazing little creatures and what it takes to train them.

Our day started with a pleasant stroll around the coconut jungle getting to know the monkeys and the trainers. The monkeys here are Macaques, used in the west for laboratory experiments; here the monkeys are housed in well built cages in shady coconut jungle. The monkeys are trained and taken out for exercise each day. Only the male monkeys can be successfully trained to pick coconuts. Training starts around age two and can be anything from a few months to several years to complete. Each monkey very much has its own personality. Some are mischievous, some are studious and hard working and all of them are great fun and so like humans in their expressions and mannerisms. It is amazing to interact with these 'little people' and there are monkeys of all ages and sizes to play with.

Three times a day, at 10.30 am, 2 pm and 4 pm it is show time. While most of the monkeys are trained solely for coconut gathering, three monkeys are trained to the highest standard and will astound you with there skills. From playing a guitar to playing basket ball, sitting cross legged on the floor eating from a bowl with a spoon to weight lifting and doing forward rolls it is impossible not to be impressed. The relationship between man and monkey is evident here and the show is as informative as it is entertaining. The main trainer starts the show with some interesting and informative history of the monkey, training methods and background information on his team. After some fun stuff inside the large theatre it is outside to get a first hand handle on the serious business of coconut training. The trainers take you through the entire training process as the monkeys demonstrate their skills both on a training frame and actually up in the coconut trees, it really is quite something to see. After the show the tame and friendly monkeys come and shake your hand, they feel so human it's not hard to see where we came from and it is virtually impossible not to fall in love with these truly wonderful creatures.

Once the show is finished you are free to wander around the pleasant grounds getting to know the resident monkeys, ask the friendly staff more about training and individual monkeys as well as the history of the island, the coconut trade and everything primate.

I thoroughly enjoyed our day out 'monkeying' around in the jungle. It is a great relief to know that the monkeys here are so well taken care of. The shiny eyes and coats are testament to the respect the trainers have for the monkeys. Well fed and well cared for these happy souls are delightful to be around and work hard for the trainers that they love.

The show is suitable for all ages and the children we saw there were awestruck by the show, and the monkeys, who are tame enough to interact with even very young children. I highly recommend a trip to the monkey theatre and next time you are out and about exploring the beautifully unspoilt interior of this amazing island, keep your eye out, you may just see one of the theatres graduates working hard up in the coconut trees!