As elite badminton players gather in New Delhi for the world championships, a unique team of individuals is focused not on the athletic prowess but on the persistent problem of rhesus macaques inhabiting the tournament venue. Nazar Khan, 65, is a key member of a four-person group of what are colloquially known as “monkey whisperers,” tasked with preventing these primates from disrupting the prestigious event, which is set to commence on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
This particular venue has a history of animal-related interruptions. During the India Open in January, a monkey was observed in the spectator stands, and bird droppings and nest debris caused play to be halted, drawing considerable criticism. Determined to prevent a similar embarrassing recurrence, organizers have adopted a well-established local solution: employing “monkey wallahs.” These individuals are skilled in imitating the calls of langurs, which are the natural predators of the smaller rhesus macaques.
Khan explains that his family’s involvement in this profession spans generations. “We are running this business for generations, starting with street shows of monkeys and bears,” Khan shared with 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 monkeys are revered in India, a predominantly Hindu nation, they pose a significant nuisance in the capital. They frequently damage gardens, offices, and residences, and have even been known to aggressively accost people in pursuit of food. For decades, monkey handlers, often accompanied by trained black-faced langurs, were a common sight, driving away the smaller primates from public spaces. However, this practice ceased after a court ruling prohibited the capture and utilization of these animals. Consequently, families like Khan’s now rely primarily on their extensive experience, keen observation skills, and a repertoire of highly convincing animal sounds to carry out their work.
Khan, commenting on the primates observed at the badminton venue, mentioned, “There are three-four monkeys and two fat ones who many say are dangerous. But we make specific noises that drive them away. We know our stuff.” He further elaborated that their responsibilities extend beyond primates. “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.” Khan proudly noted that his grandson is part of a team assigned to keep monkeys away from the office premises of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His nephew and fellow monkey wallah, Faryad Ali, eagerly demonstrated his craft, unleashing a rapid succession of hoots, screeches, and growls.
However, this unique occupation is not without its dangers. “There are perils in this profession and sometimes we get bitten as well,” Ali recounted 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 deploying monkey whisperers for badminton’s premier event initially sparked some amusement online. Nonetheless, Indian star and Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu defended the decision on X, stating, “You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort.” Sindhu drew a parallel to Wimbledon, where Rufus the hawk has been employed for an extended period to deter pigeons from the hallowed grass courts. She explained, “Every major sporting event has its own local challenges. This is just one additional measure on top of the countless measures already being taken.”
Tournament organizers affirm that this unconventional workforce is merely one component of a broader strategy to prevent the disruptions that marred January’s India Open. In addition, a non-toxic gel has been applied to roof structures and ducts to prevent pigeons from perching there. Sanjay Mishra, secretary of the Badminton Association of India, assured that officials are taking every precaution. “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 declared.
