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Bad Habitat: Monkey Smokes A Pack Of Cigarettes A Day

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Meet Azalea, the smoking chimpanzee! Not only does she not inhale the smoke, but she lights her own cigarettes too.

Smoking chimpanzee Azalea is the star of North Korean zoo
Boston 25 News

Azalea is Pyongyang Zoo’s super star. Azalea is a 26-year-old monkey who smokes about a box of cigarettes a day. The zoo claims she does not inhale. If Azalea does not have a lighter on her, she uses another lit cigarette. Thousands of visitors would visit the zoo each day and roar with laughter as Azalea would smoke. Whilst others were outraged with this performance as it is a money-making scheme.

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The Video

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Fun Facts About Chimpanzees

Intelligence

Chimpanzees are highly intelligent animals. They have been observed using tools in the wild, such as using sticks to extract termites from their nests or rocks to crack open nuts.

Communication

Chimpanzees have complex communication systems. They use vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to convey their emotions and intentions to one another.

Social Creatures

They live in complex social groups called communities, which can range from a few individuals to over 100. Additionally, these communities have a hierarchical structure with dominant and subordinate members.

Tool Use

Chimpanzees are known for their tool-making abilities. They not only use tools but also modify them for specific purposes. This is also a sign of their problem-solving skills.

Emotions

Chimpanzees exhibit a wide range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, and even empathy. They can console and comfort distressed individuals within their group.

Hunting

While primarily herbivores, chimpanzees also hunt for meat. They work together in groups to catch small mammals like monkeys, and this behavior varies among different chimpanzee populations.

Lifespan

In the wild, chimpanzees typically live to be around 40-50 years old, while in captivity, they can live longer, sometimes reaching 60 years of age.

Endangered Status

Chimpanzees are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and diseases.

Cultural Differences

Different chimpanzee communities have been observed displaying unique cultural behaviors, such as specific grooming techniques or ways of using tools. Moreover, this suggests a level of cultural diversity among chimpanzees.

Adaptability

Chimpanzees are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and woodlands. Their adaptability has allowed them to survive in different environments.

Parenting

Chimps have strong mother-offspring bonds. Young chimpanzees stay with their mothers for several years, learning essential life skills from them.

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Wrap Up

In conclusion, Azalea, the 26-year-old smoking monkey at Pyongyang Zoo, has undeniably garnered attention, both nationally and internationally. Her peculiar habit of consuming cigarettes, even if claimed to be without inhalation, has made her a standout attraction at the zoo.

Furthermore, for some visitors, Azalea’s antics have provided moments of entertainment, with thousands of people flocking to witness her unconventional behavior and perhaps share a laugh. However, for others, this spectacle has raised serious concerns. Additionally, the ethical implications of using a smoking monkey as an attraction have sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and those who believe that such practices exploit animals for financial gain.

Azalea’s story highlights the complex and often contentious intersection of entertainment, ethics, and animal welfare in the world of zoos and wildlife exhibits. It prompts important questions about the treatment of animals in captivity and the responsibilities of institutions that house them.

Ultimately, the case of Azalea underscores the importance of ongoing discussions and scrutiny of how animals are kept and presented in zoos and similar venues. overall, it serves as a reminder that while entertainment can be enjoyable, it should not come at the expense of the well-being and dignity of animals.

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