A macaque monkey named Godzilla, dubbed as the world’s fattest monkey, has tragically passed away after succumbing to weight-related health issues despite efforts to help him lose weight at a fat camp. The morbidly obese primate developed an insatiable appetite after being fed junk food by well-meaning passersby at a market in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite shedding four kilograms during his time at the fat camp, Godzilla, aged only six, faced a multitude of health problems that ultimately led to his untimely death. The monkey struggled with thyroid disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s syndrome, a condition characterized by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which significantly impacted his lifespan.

Dr. Supasek Sarachitti, the director of the Crystal Pet Hospital where Godzilla passed away, expressed his sentiments, saying, ‘Let’s send Godzilla to heaven. I told you many years ago, you may not live long due to your diseases. You were at risk of having a heart attack. Your owner came by to take care of you every day, until this day finally came. You passed away peacefully in the arms of your owner.’

Following his death, Godzilla was cremated, and his ashes were returned to his previous caretaker, Manop Emsan, who had adopted him as a baby. Keeping a monkey as a pet is illegal under Thailand’s wildlife laws, and Godzilla was initially found chained up in a market where he was being fed high-sugar treats by generous shoppers.

At the time of his rescue, Godzilla weighed a staggering 19kg, nearly double the standard weight for his species. The family was criticized for ‘killing Godzilla with kindness’ by providing him with unhealthy foods that ultimately contributed to his deteriorating health condition.