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A recent PETA exposé of Thailand’s coconut industry revealed monkeys are still being forced to spend long hours climbing trees and picking coconuts. Whole Foods is contributing to this cruelty and exploitation by sourcing its coconut milk from Thailand.
Take action and urge Whole Foods to cut ties with forced monkey labour.
Monkeys Kidnapped and Abused
Endangered pig-tailed macaques are often kidnapped as babies from their natural habitat. Handlers put rigid metal collars around the monkeys’ necks and use chains and leashes to choke and control them. Sometimes, their canine teeth are removed so they can’t defend themselves.
After months of physical abuse and intimidation, the sensitive animals learn to comply. Investigative footage showed trainers striking small monkeys, dangling them by their necks, and whipping them.
Forced to Pick Coconuts
Once training is complete, the forced labour begins. Monkeys are coerced into climbing tall trees to pick coconuts. They are frequently bitten by ants and stung by hornets, sometimes fatally. They sustain broken bones when they fall – or are violently yanked – from trees. When the macaques aren’t being forced to work, they’re kept chained on barren patches of dirt or confined to cramped cages, often without access to food or water. They suffer from extreme psychological distress from this joyless life of captivity and abuse.
Never Buy Coconut Milk From Thailand
Because the industry and the Thai government continue to mislead and deceive consumers about their cruel practices, there’s no way to guarantee that any Thai coconut milk is free from abuse. The only solution is to reject all coconut products from Thailand.
Never buy these products, and urge Whole Foods to end its sale of Thai coconut milk.