00:00In 1980, Launceston received a gift from its sister city in Japan, a troop of Japanese
00:08macaques.
00:09Ever since, they've been a key feature of City Park, but this tiny baby could be one
00:15of the last.
00:16So what our recommendation is a contraceptive procedure to be able to control the breeding
00:23for the monkeys.
00:25If a council motion to sterilise the monkeys passes next week, the population will die
00:29out within 30 years.
00:32Council says it has no way of introducing genetic diversity to the monkey troop, as
00:36it's now illegal to import them.
00:39It means the monkeys are inbreeding, which over time will lead to health issues.
00:43Everything that we're doing is in regards to the welfare and the best interest of the
00:48management of the species.
00:49It's a little bit sad, like I do come and see the monkeys regularly whenever I visit
00:53Launceston.
00:54I've lived here in Launceston since I was five, and many memories of bringing my children
01:01here and grandchildren.
01:02It's probably not a terrible thing, and given if it's done humanely, I think it would be
01:07okay.
01:09If council rejects the motion to sterilise the monkeys, keepers may have to cull the
01:13troop to keep numbers down.
01:15I believe that the monkeys should be left as is, and let them see out their life, whatever
01:23that may be.
01:24Council says it could consider bringing in a new species once the macaques are gone.
01:29One option floated is the Tasmanian devil, but for many locals it won't be the same.
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