Jaipur, July 12, 2026: Wildlife experts and animal welfare volunteers have raised concerns over the growing number of monkeys suffering from skin diseases at Jaipur’s famous Galtaji Temple, popularly known as the Monkey Temple. They say the problem is being aggravated by visitors feeding the animals sweets, fried snacks, and other processed foods instead of their natural diet.
The centuries-old temple, located in the Aravalli Hills on the eastern outskirts of Jaipur, is home to hundreds of rhesus macaques and remains one of the city’s most visited religious and tourist attractions.
Experts Warn Against Feeding Sweets
According to wildlife caretakers and experts associated with the temple, many visitors offer laddoos, biscuits, chocolates, namkeen, bread, and other processed foods to monkeys as a religious gesture.
Veterinarians and animal welfare volunteers say these food items are unsuitable for the animals and may contribute to health problems, including obesity, digestive disorders, weakened immunity, dental issues, and skin infections. They are urging devotees to avoid feeding sugary or oily foods.
Instead, experts recommend offering foods closer to the monkeys’ natural diet, such as:
- Seasonal fruits
- Bananas
- Guavas
- Papaya
- Cucumber
- Other fresh produce in moderation
Skin Disease Cases Reportedly Increasing
Caretakers at the temple have observed an increasing number of monkeys with visible hair loss, skin irritation, and other dermatological conditions. While skin disease can have multiple causes including parasites, infections, environmental conditions, and nutrition they say poor dietary habits caused by frequent feeding of processed foods may be contributing to the problem.
Animal welfare volunteers have appealed to visitors to support healthier feeding practices to improve the overall well-being of the temple’s monkey population.
‘Monkey Man’ Continues Two-Decade Mission
One of the most recognised faces at Galtaji is Vijay Kumar Sharma, popularly known as Jaipur’s “Monkey Man.” For more than 20 years, he has been feeding and caring for monkeys living around the temple.
Unlike many visitors, Sharma primarily feeds the animals fresh fruits and works to ensure they receive food that is more suitable for their health. His long-standing efforts have earned appreciation from locals and wildlife enthusiasts.
Galtaji Temple: A Major Tourist Attraction
Galtaji Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The historic temple complex is famous for its sacred water tanks (kunds), natural springs, pink sandstone architecture, and the large population of rhesus macaques that inhabit the surrounding hills.
Visitors often interact closely with the monkeys, making awareness about responsible feeding practices particularly important.
Responsible Tourism Encouraged
Wildlife experts are encouraging tourists to enjoy observing the monkeys without encouraging unhealthy feeding habits. They advise visitors to:
- Avoid feeding sweets, chocolates, biscuits, and fried foods.
- Offer only fresh fruits if feeding is permitted.
- Avoid teasing or attempting to touch wild monkeys.
- Maintain a safe distance from the animals.
- Dispose of food waste responsibly to prevent health risks for wildlife.
They also note that reducing dependence on processed human food can help preserve the monkeys’ natural behaviour and improve their long-term health.
Conclusion
As Jaipur’s Galtaji Temple continues to welcome thousands of devotees and tourists, wildlife experts are calling for greater awareness about responsible interactions with its famous monkey population. By choosing healthier food options or refraining from feeding altogether where appropriate visitors can help protect the animals while preserving one of Jaipur’s most iconic heritage sites for future generations.