No monkey business: India ‘whisperers’ guard world championships

As elite badminton players converge on New Delhi for the highly anticipated world championships, an extraordinary team of individuals is engaged in a meticulous effort to ensure the event remains free from unexpected interlopers: mischievous monkeys. Nazar Khan, a seasoned 65-year-old “monkey whisperer,” leads a four-member crew dedicated to deterring rhesus macaques from disrupting the prestigious tournament, which commences on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

This venue carries a somewhat notorious reputation. During the India Open in January, a primate made an unscheduled appearance in the stands, and the proceedings were further interrupted by bird droppings and debris from a nest, drawing considerable criticism. Determined to avert a similar embarrassment, organizers have embraced a time-tested solution: employing “monkey wallahs.” These skilled individuals mimic the intimidating calls of langurs, the natural predators of the smaller rhesus macaques.

Khan explains that his family’s unique profession spans generations. “We are running this business for generations, starting with street shows of monkeys and bears,” he told AFP. “But then it was banned and to keep our pot burning we took to driving away monkeys, and here we are. We kept langurs with us but then they were also banned.” While revered in the predominantly Hindu nation, monkeys pose a significant nuisance in the capital, frequently vandalizing gardens, offices, and homes, and even aggressively attacking individuals in their pursuit of food. For decades, handlers armed with trained black-faced langurs were a common sight, driving away smaller primates from urban areas. However, this practice ceased following a court ruling that prohibited the capture and use of these animals. Consequently, families like Khan’s now rely primarily on their extensive experience, keen observation skills, and an impressive repertoire of convincing animal vocalizations.

“There are three-four monkeys and two fat ones who many say are dangerous,” Khan remarked, referring to the primates frequenting the stadium where the badminton championships will be held. “But we make specific noises that drive them away. We know our stuff.” Their responsibilities extend beyond primates; as Khan elaborates, “We also have to keep away stray dogs… we catch them and take them out of the stadium. But we make sure no animal is harmed.” He proudly mentioned that his grandson is part of a separate team tasked with safeguarding the office premises of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from monkey intrusions. His nephew and fellow monkey wallah, Faryad Ali, readily demonstrated his craft, unleashing a rapid succession of hoots, screeches, and growls.

However, this unique line of work is not without its dangers. “There are perils in this profession and sometimes we get bitten as well,” Ali confessed to AFP, revealing bite scars on his back. “But it’s all part and parcel of our trade. We get bitten and move on. No injections, nothing. Just chilli powder on the wound and we are back in action.”

The news of these specialized “monkey whisperers” being deployed for badminton’s premier event initially sparked some online amusement. Yet, Indian badminton star and Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu came to their defense, writing on X, “You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort.” Sindhu drew a parallel to Wimbledon, where Rufus the hawk has long been employed to deter pigeons from the hallowed grass courts. “Every major sporting event has its own local challenges,” she explained. “This is just one additional measure on top of the countless measures already being taken.”

Tournament organizers emphasize that this distinctive workforce constitutes only one facet of a comprehensive strategy to prevent the disruptions that plagued January’s India Open. A non-toxic gel has also been applied to roof structures and ducts to discourage pigeons from perching there. Sanjay Mishra, Secretary of the Badminton Association of India, confidently stated that officials are leaving nothing to chance. “I am 100 percent sure that this time the pigeon-related or any kind of bird and animal-related problems will not occur during the world championship,” he affirmed, guaranteeing a seamless and unimpeded competition. No monkey business is the order of the day.