Sweet Offerings Trigger Skin Disease Epidemic in Temple Monkeys

Monkeys at Jaipur's renowned Galtaji Temple are succumbing to a severe skin ailment known as hyperkeratosis. This condition results in significant hair loss, thickened and cracked skin, bleeding wounds, and impaired mobility, profoundly affecting the animals' well-being.

Wildlife veterinarians identify the widespread feeding of sweets and processed foods by devotees as the primary driver of this health crisis. The monkeys' natural diet of roots, fruits, vegetables, and leaves has been dangerously altered by these offerings, leading to allergies and chronic skin problems.

Forest officials have initiated awareness campaigns and installed warning signs around the temple complex to deter visitors from offering unhealthy food. Despite these efforts, treating the agile monkeys remains challenging, with infected animals being captured and transferred to Jaipur Zoo for necessary medical care.