In the shaded corner of the troop’s territory, young Janet sat quietly, her fur slightly ruffled and her eyes wide with fear. She had just been chased and bitten—again. It wasn’t the first time she had faced aggression from other monkeys in the group, and sadly, it likely wouldn’t be the last.
Janet is still young, still learning how to navigate the complex social world around her. In many monkey troops, hierarchy and group dynamics are constantly shifting, and those low in the ranking often face challenges. Unfortunately for Janet, she has found herself at the bottom.
What made this moment even harder was that her mother, Jane, didn’t step in to defend her. Jane sat just a few feet away, watching, but not reacting. Whether she was afraid to challenge the others or unsure how to respond, her silence left Janet vulnerable.
Janet’s cries weren’t loud, but they were full of confusion and pain. She glanced toward Jane, perhaps hoping for reassurance—a hug, a shield, a sign that she wasn’t alone. But none came.
This kind of social neglect is difficult to witness. While most monkey mothers are protective and nurturing, not all relationships are the same. Some mothers struggle to care for their young due to stress, past trauma, or difficult group conditions.
