Xing Xing, the one-armed monkey, sits beside the monk who is feeding her at the Daliang Mountain temple in Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province, in this photo taken on September 15, 2023.
Xing Xing, the one-armed monkey who captured the hearts of thousands as an internet sensation, was euthanized after attacking her elderly caretaker in Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province, China. The 80-year-old monkey, who lived at a temple in Daliang Mountain for over 15 years, was well-known for her human-like demeanor and her unique bond with a Buddhist nun and monk, her companions aged 85 and 78, respectively.
Xing Xing's daily activities, such as shelling nuts and meditating by a stone basin while gazing at the mountains, gained her a following of over 140,000 fans online. Videos of her serene interactions with her caretakers became a viral hit, showcasing the close relationship she shared with the elderly pair.
However, despite her calm and domesticated appearance, Xing Xing retained her wild instincts. The incident occurred when the nun reportedly startled Xing Xing, provoking an aggressive response. The monkey attacked, causing severe injuries. Authorities and wildlife experts were called to the scene, and given the severity of the attack and Xing Xing's advanced age, the decision was made to euthanize her.
The news has left many fans heartbroken, with social media filled with tributes to the beloved monkey. The nun, currently recovering in the hospital, expressed profound sadness over the loss, saying, "She was like family, but at her core, she was still a wild animal." The incident has reignited discussions about the complexities and risks of keeping wild animals, even those seemingly adapted to domestic life.
