When Monkeys Take Over

1. Set Focus
Pose this essential question: How might human interference affect whether other species thrive or even survive?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence:

• The subtitle to the article describes the monkeys as “aggressive.” Which details in the article support this description? (In the first paragraph, the account of the monkeys taking all the fruit from a truck in a matter of seconds supports the description. Details about the monkeys ripping antennas off cars and people being fearful of attacks also support the description.)

• What is one way urban monkeys are different from forest monkeys? Why do you think this is? (Students’ responses will vary. Sample response: Urban monkeys are less muscular. This is probably because they do not need to work hard to build shelters and get food.).)   

• In the article, Patiphan Tantiwong says, “The monkeys were here before us. We have to adapt to them, not the other way around.” What does he mean? (Tantiwong means that the people of Lopburi must be respectful of the monkeys and prioritize their needs when responding to the situation. Killing them or forcing them out of the city in an aggressive way that caused them to starve or otherwise be harmed would not be solutions that Tantiwong would support. He recognizes that the monkeys have had a longer history in the area than humans, and he believes that  humans should live in a way that respects that history.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Making Connections. Have students use the graphic organizer to explore causes and effects described in the article.

4. Writing Prompt
Write one paragraph expressing your opinion about how Lopburi should handle its monkey situation. Support your ideas with text details.

5. Classroom Debate
Should Lopburi officials make it illegal for tourists to hand out food to wild animals?

9. Quiz & Skills
Assess comprehension with the quiz. Use Be the Editor to review grammar skills.