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Danny Mok

Weary and down on his luck, Chan Yu-wing yesterday lamented the loss of the faithful companion that had been part of his life for over a decade – a celebrity monkey called Kam Ying.
The female macaque was at the centre of a saga 15 years ago over whether a primate could be reared in a household.
Chan, her heartbroken master, confirmed the monkey was put to sleep in a Tai Wai animal hospital in November at the age of 18 due to failing health.
Admitting he had not been able to look after Kam Ying as well as he wanted, unemployed Chan, 62, said: “She was in poor health for some time. One afternoon, I woke up and I found her lying still. I knew something wasn’t right.
“Although I miss her very much, I now think it is better for her to pass away. I hadn’t been able to look after her well because I couldn’t make a living myself.”
Kam Ying was taken to the hospital on November 2, where she was found to be suffering from serious dehydration, multiple fractures and brain problems.
READ MORE: Call of the wild? No thanks. Monkey refuses to leave Chinese couple’s home for life in the forest
The previous day, a vet from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department had suggested Chan take the monkey for a health examination. The department said on Thursday Kam Ying had been quite emaciated and on strong painkillers prescribed by a private clinic.
The death of his companion came as a devastating blow for Chan, who had fallen on hard times after a legal dispute in 2007.
A visit to his flat in Kowloon City found him living alone in poor state, with rubbish and old belongings strewn around. Suffering from insomnia and looking fatigued, Chan said he had no appetite and took sleeping pills.

An empty cage in which Chan kept Kam Ying and old photos he kept in his wallet were his only mementoes of his companion.
“I used to feed her fruits. She liked everything – longan, choi sum, tofu and rice,” said Chan. “She was very well-behaved.”
Kam Ying had also been a companion to Chan’s father, herbal medicine hawker Chan Yat-biu. The man with the monkey became an attraction in Kowloon City and wherever he sold his wares. Kam Ying had been taught to salute onlookers, do somersaults and hide in Chan’s vest.
The elder Chan had fought to keep Kam Ying in 2000, when she was taken away by the department as keeping wild monkeys as pets is illegal in Hong Kong
That sparked a public controversy, with 10,000 people signing a petition for Kam Ying’s return. The elder Chan successfully sought a judicial review in which the court ordered the monkey’s return on humanitarian grounds.
He died in 2004, aged 94.


Legendary Hong Kong monkey which owner fought to keep at home in high-profile court battle dies aged 18

Chan Yiu-wing (pictured), son of "Monkey Man" Chan Yat-biu, with the family's pet "Kam Ying" in his home. The monkey has recently become inactive and reluctant to eat. His present master Chan Yiu-wing explains that the monkey has lost appetite in missing its old master "Monkey Man" Chan Yat-biu. However, Chan does not want the monkey to be diagnosed by veterinary. 15 MAY 2007

Hawker Chan Biu with his seven-year furry companion, Bobby. 19JUN77

Kam Ying (Golden Eagle) is very sad to know Chan Yat-biu's (Monkey Man) death. Picture shows Kam Ying holds Chan Yat-biu's pix at his bed. 24 JUNE 2004

Monkey Kam Ying with Chan Yiu-wing, son of "Monkey Man" Chan Yat-biu. Photo: SCMP Pictures

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Female macaque put to sleep due to serious illness
