No monkey business: India 'whisperers' guard world championships

An unusual team of "monkey whisperers" is on duty in New Delhi to ensure the smooth running of the world badminton championships. Nazar Khan, 65, leads a four-member group tasked with keeping rhesus macaques away from the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

The venue has a history of primate-related disruptions. During the India Open in January, a monkey was spotted in the stands, and bird droppings also caused issues, leading to criticism. Organizers are determined to avoid a repeat of such embarrassing incidents.

The "whisperers" employ a traditional method, imitating the calls of langurs, the natural predators of rhesus macaques. Khan explained that his family has been involved in managing monkeys for generations, initially through street shows and later by driving them away from public spaces.

This specialized service is a popular solution for managing monkey populations in India. The team's presence is a unique aspect of the security arrangements for the prestigious sporting event, highlighting the challenges of hosting international competitions in urban environments with wildlife.

The world championships begin Monday, with players from around the globe competing. The success of Khan's team will be crucial in ensuring an uninterrupted and professional atmosphere for the athletes and spectators alike.

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We are running this business for generations, starting with street shows of monkeys and bears. But then it was banned and to keep our pot burning we took to driving away monkeys, and here we are. We kept langurs wit