Lady 'talks' to & guides monkey to exit Changi Airport, wins praise for good service

Changi Airport is often touted as one of the world's best airports.

Apparently, its hospitality extends to animals as well.

A video, originally posted by @moonjuice_kombucha on Instagram, has been circulating on social media — for an amusing reason.

It shows a lady, who appears to be a staff member at Changi Airport, guiding a macaque towards the exit.

@thesingaporeanson Monkey wants to check-in for his flight… #singapore ♬ original sound - The Singaporean Son

The macaque is one of at least two monkeys spotted wandering around the Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure Hall at around 2pm on Dec. 3.

The monkey whisperer

In an unfamiliar and crowded environment, it’s normal to get lost, or even separated from your travel counterparts.

At such times, one can rely on the guidance of staff — as the monkey in the video seems to have done.

The staff member appeared to be gesturing toward the exit, and even speaking to the monkey.

To the amusement of viewers, the macaque, despite its likely confusion, seemed to mostly follow her instructions.

It cautiously stepped towards where the staff member was pointing.

Things seemed to be going well, but in true mischievous monkey fashion, it suddenly took a step to the right, away from the exit.

According to an Instagram story by @moonjuice_kombucha, the lady was "lovely and calm" when guiding the monkey away from the crowd.

"This way, sir"

The staff member’s hospitality won the hearts of netizens, with many commending her on stepping up to guide the monkey.

Some were most amused at her attempts to communicate with the macaque.

Others applauded her actions, adding that her service skills are top-notch.

Some added that her service is testimony to Changi deserving the title of the best airport globally.

Best to call the authorities

While the staff member’s actions were well-intentioned, it is unclear if she was aware of proper monkey guarding techniques, as some of her actions may have risked aggravating the macaque.

Primatologist Andie Ang, head of primate conservation and Singapore programmes at Mandai Nature, told Mothership contacting the authorities would be the best option if personnel are unaware of proper techniques to guide the monkey out.

"The last thing you [want] to do is to add to its fears and anxiety, and cause it to react to the situation," said Ang.

Mothership has contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) and Changi Airport Group for comments.

What to do when you encounter macaques

The long-tailed macaque is one of Singapore's native primate species, and naturally inhabits forested areas, according to NParks.

However, it also frequents its immediate surroundings to explore and forage for food, and is "innately curious".

As such, members of the public are advised not to feed them, and to minimise contact with them, NParks said.

Here are some other tips for those encountering macaques:

• Remain calm and quiet. Do not make direct eye contact, sudden movements, and do not turn away and run.
• Hide or throw any object that is attracting the macaque.
• Never try to hit the monkey.
• If home, without cornering the monkey, hit the ground with a stick or spray a strong jet of water at the monkey to lead them towards the exit.

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Top image from @moonjuice_kombucha/Instagram