Demand Better for Monkey Abused by Disgraced Japanese Wrestler

In late May 2009, PETA was notified of a shameful blog belonging to Ryoma, a wrestler with the popular Japanese wrestling promotion company Dragon Gate. The blog included photos of a Japanese macaque as she was horribly abused and of her resulting injuries. The macaque, whose name is Cola, was reportedly strangled, beaten, scalded, and more. We immediately alerted local authorities and expressed our outrage to Takashi Okamura, president of Dragon Gate Professional Wrestling Promotion. Police officials have now announced plans to file formal charges against the parties involved in Cola's abuse. Unfortunately, Cola is still being forced to exist in heartbreaking conditions.

Dragon Gate officials assured PETA that Cola was in a new home, "in a very good environment," and being taken care of "with love." They then provided depressing photos of Cola, chained by the neck and languishing in a small, barren, prison-like cage that is unsuitable for any living being! The cage meets Japan's meager legal standards but is devoid of any enrichment or climbing apparatus, and it allows Cola very little room to exercise or express natural behaviors. PETA sent Dragon Gate a list of very basic things required to make Cola's environment more humane—including removing the chain and extending the cage to provide areas to climb and exercise—as well as simple enrichment ideas, such as foraging opportunities and toys to play with. Sadly, Dragon Gate says Cola's welfare is now out of its hands.

Please contact Takashi Okamura, president of Dragon Gate, and politely remind him that Dragon Gate owes Cola for the shameful abuse that she endured at the hands of Dragon Gate employees. Let Okamura know that Cola is a sensitive, intelligent animal who requires so much more. Ask him to work with PETA to make things better for Cola.

Politeness is critical!

Please send polite comments to:

Takashi Okamura
President of Dragon Gate Professional Wrestling Promotion
Sanctuary Building
7-1-4 Kita-Nagasa Dori
Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi
Hyogo-ken 650-0012
gaora@mail.cave.co.jp