At least 2 macaques enter Changi Airport Terminal 2 departure hall

A pair of macaques were seen roaming around Changi Airport Terminal 2 departure hall at around 2pm on Dec. 3.

In a video circulating online, two monkeys were seen climbing the railings of a staircase.

A woman could be seen waving a yellow stick around in the video.

A crowd had gathered at the foot of the staircase to watch the encounter.

"Going on holiday?"

In a separate video posted on Instagram, a lone macaque could be seen near the check-in counters at the departure hall.

"Which flight are you going on?", remarked a person behind the camera.

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Visitors could be seen deliberately avoiding the macaque.

A man in a blue, long-sleeved shirt and pants could be seen tapping a broom at the monkey.

The monkey, visibly confused and fearful, could be seen cautiously moving around.

Another person, presumably airport personnel, could be heard asking passers-by to "keep the space open", as they were "guiding the monkey towards the door".

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

Not the first time

This is not the first time a monkey has been spotted frolicking at Changi Airport.

In 2018, a macaque was spotted at Terminal 3 climbing the glass walls.

The monkey was rescued by Acres and relocated a few days later.

Handling 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".

Once conditioned to recognise plastic bags and other containers as food sources, macaques may instinctively grab these items when they see them.

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

Here are some tips on what to do during an encounter with a macaque:

• 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.

Alternatively, the NParks' Animal Response Centre can be reached at 1800-476-1600 for assistance.

Contact the authorities

Primatologist Andie Ang, head of primate conservation and Singapore programmes at Mandai Nature, told Mothership that the first thing people should do is to disperse, as opposed to crowding around the animal.

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

She said contacting the authorities would be the best option if personnel are unaware of proper techniques to guide the monkey out.

Ang also said photos and videos would be useful for the authorities in assessing the situation, and in providing assistance.

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Top image from @sgfollowsall and @karotch/Reddit