Ari, a three-year-old macaque in the area of Cirebon in West Java. The last major "dancing monkey village" training center operates here, continuing to fuel the cruel trade. Pictured; Ari, male, 3 years old. Image courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network'

China halts brutal macaque execution performance after public backlash

News

06 March 2026

A tourist venue in Hebei province, China, has scrapped a disturbing live performance in which macaques were staged to re-enact an execution scene.

A tourist attraction in the Luquan District of Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, has halted a live performance that forced macaques to mimic an execution scene after footage circulated online showing animals tied, hooded and visibly distressed.

Footage of the show involved monkeys being tied, hooded and positioned as if facing a firing squad. The performance ignited widespread outrage across social media and from international animal welfare organisations.

The act featured monkeys dressed in costumes, fitted with metal muzzles and restrained with ropes while a performer simulated shooting them with a prop gun.

Crowds, including children, watched as the animals fell to the ground as part of the staged routine.

Venue ends contract with performance troupe

The venue said the performance was operated by an outsourced entertainment team and was not directly managed by the tourist site.

After a surge of public complaints and widespread criticism across Chinese and international social media, the scenic area confirmed that the contract with the performance troupe had been terminated and the act fully cancelled.

Global concern over macaque exploitation

The footage triggered intense concern, as incidents like this reflect an ongoing global pattern of macaque exploitation in live shows, roadside attractions and tourist experiences.

Long tailed macaques are highly intelligent, social animals that suffer significantly when confined, isolated or forced into unnatural behaviours.

This shocking performance concept has rallied a call for an end to all wildlife performances that rely on physical punishment, coercion and deprivation.

This is a really shocking performance, and while it’s welcome news that this specific show has now been removed from the programme, the horrific exploitation of macaques for shows and other tourist activities is a global issue that must end.

These shows not only force macaques to perform unnatural tricks, but the methods used to train and manage them are desperately cruel. Trainers often use physical punishment, like slaps or kicks, or withholding food, when they do not comply with commands.

When they’re not performing, they are often kept in small cages with little to no opportunity to interact with other monkeys - despite being extremely social animals. This abuse can lead to severe health issues and emotional trauma.

Macaques are wild animals, with a right to live where they belong: in the wild.

Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection UK, Wildlife Manager

Call for stronger protections

While the cancellation of this show is a positive step, it doesn't address the widespread use of macaques in entertainment venues across China and beyond.

Macaques specifically are also targeted by social media users, who abuse and exploit them for social media content. The idea of people paying for a show where they are publically 'executed' reflects the lack of compassion people have for these animals.

We will continue to urge governments to strengthen animal protection laws and to educate tourists on the harm caused by supporting wildlife performances.

We also encourage tourists to support venues that prioritise animal welfare and enact proper care.

If you see harmful macaque videos online, please report them to SMACC.