A rhesus macaque allegedly used in illegal circus performances in Hyderabad has been rescued by forest officials, police and PETA India. The monkey has been shifted to a shelter for treatment, while authorities initiate steps for its release into the wild.
Published Date – 4 June 2026, 11:11 AM
Hyderabad: Following a complaint from a concerned citizen about an adult rhesus macaque who was illegally held captive, cruelly chained, and used for performances in a moving circus in Hyderabad, in violation of several animal protection laws, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) worked with local activist Gayatri Sanguo, Hyderabad Police, and Hyderabad Forest Division to rescue the primate.
The monkey has been shifted to People for Animals Hyderabad’s shelter for urgent primary care. Forest officials are now taking the necessary steps to release the animal back into a natural habitat.
It is illegal to use monkeys for performances in India. In 1998, the central government issued a notification prohibiting the use of monkeys for performances under Section 22 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
“PETA India is grateful to the Hyderabad Forest Division and Hyderabad Police, particularly Sai Prakash, Range Forest Officer, for their swift action in rescuing the illegally confined monkey,” says PETA India’s Lead Cruelty Response Coordinator, Sreekutty Bennet. “Entertainment should never cost an animal misery.”
In addition to being revered in Hinduism, rhesus macaques play an important role in local ecosystems by dispersing seeds, which is largely due to their predominantly fruit-based diet, and their absence can be detrimental to forests.
