Questions raised over killing of monkey at Islamabad airport

A monkey that entered the terminal lounge of Islamabad International Airport was killed instead of being captured alive on Sunday, prompting questions over the wildlife staff’s handling of the incident.

According to sources, the team called to remove the animal did not use a trap to catch it safely. Footage showing the monkey’s death has also emerged following the incident.

Passengers inside the terminal were reportedly amused by the animal’s movements as it jumped around the premises, at times climbing onto the terminal roof and lounge ceiling.

Several travellers also recorded videos of the monkey on their mobile phones.

Wildlife personnel were summoned after the animal was spotted inside the terminal, with the aim of capturing it safely.

However, the sources said the staff failed to use a trap and eventually killed the monkey.

The incident has raised questions about why alternative methods were not adopted to capture the animal alive and what prompted the wildlife team to kill it.

Videos of the monkey roaming inside the airport terminal had earlier circulated on social media after its unexpected appearance surprised passengers.