As elite badminton athletes gather in New Delhi for the upcoming world championships, a unique security detail has been deployed to ensure the event remains free from animal interference. A four-member team of so-called “monkey whisperers,” including 65-year-old Nazar Khan, has been hired to prevent rhesus macaques from gatecrashing the tournament, which commences this Monday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The venue has previously faced scrutiny regarding its animal management. During the India Open held in January, a monkey was observed in the spectator stands, while debris from bird nests and droppings caused significant disruptions to play, leading to widespread criticism from participants and officials alike.
To prevent a recurrence of these logistical failures, organizers have employed “monkey wallahs,” individuals skilled in imitating the vocalizations of langurs. Langurs are the natural predators of the smaller rhesus macaques, and these vocal mimicries serve as a deterrent to keep the primates away from the facility.
“We are running this business for generations, starting with street shows of monkeys and bears,” Khan explained to AFP. He noted that the profession shifted after a court ruling prohibited the capture and utilization of live animals for such displays. To sustain their livelihoods, families like Khan’s transitioned into specialized primate deterrence, relying on their expertise in animal behavior rather than physical animals.
In India, while monkeys are culturally revered, they are frequently viewed as a nuisance in the capital, where they are known to damage property and occasionally exhibit aggressive behavior toward humans in search of food. For decades, handlers used trained black-faced langurs to manage these populations, but legal restrictions have forced a reliance on human vocal techniques.
Khan remains confident in his team’s ability to secure the stadium perimeter. “There are three-four monkeys and two fat ones who many say are dangerous,” he remarked regarding the local primate population. “But we make specific noises that drive them away. We know our stuff.”
The scope of their responsibilities extends beyond primates. Khan noted that the team is also tasked with managing stray dogs within the stadium complex. He emphasized that their methods are humane, ensuring that no animals are harmed during the removal process. Furthermore, the family’s expertise is highly regarded; Khan’s grandson is currently employed to protect the office premises of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from similar animal incursions.
The physical demands of the job are significant. Faryad Ali, Khan’s nephew and a fellow practitioner, demonstrated his technique by producing a series of sharp hoots and growls. He acknowledged the inherent risks of the trade, noting that he has sustained bite wounds in the past. “There are perils in this profession and sometimes we get bitten as well,” Ali said, displaying scars. “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 deployment of these specialists has drawn mixed reactions, including some online ridicule. However, Indian badminton star and Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu defended the decision. “You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort,” she wrote on social media. Sindhu drew a parallel to the use of Rufus the hawk at Wimbledon, which is employed to deter pigeons from the grass courts. “Every major sporting event has its own local challenges,” she added. “This is just one additional measure on top of the countless measures already being taken.”
Organizers have implemented a multi-faceted approach to stadium security. Beyond the monkey whisperers, a non-toxic gel has been applied to roof structures and ventilation ducts to discourage pigeons from nesting or perching on the facility. Sanjay Mishra, secretary of the Badminton Association of India, expressed confidence in these comprehensive strategies. “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 stated.
Determined to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment, organisers have turned to a popular fix for the problem — “monkey wallahs” or men who imitate the calls of langurs, the natural enemy of the smaller primates.
