Chamroeun was sitting peacefully near his mother, enjoying a quiet moment of grooming and rest. His small hands picked at leaves, and his eyes were calm—completely unaware of the tension brewing nearby.
Queen Yuri, a dominant and assertive female in the troop, suddenly rushed toward him. Without warning, she leapt in his direction and aimed a bite toward his ear and head. It happened so fast that Chamroeun barely had time to react.
But his mother did.
In an instant, she lunged forward and blocked Yuri’s attack, shielding her baby from harm. She growled softly, a protective warning to stay away. Yuri paused, stared for a moment, then backed off, seemingly understanding she had gone too far.
Chamroeun clung to his mother, clearly shaken but physically unharmed. His mother groomed him gently, calming him down with soft touches and reassurance. Her fast reaction had made all the difference.
Incidents like these, while difficult to witness, reflect the complex social hierarchy in monkey troops. High-ranking individuals like Yuri sometimes assert dominance in ways that can appear harsh, especially toward younger or more vulnerable members. But strong maternal instincts often counterbalance that behavior.
Chamroeun’s mother showed courage and strength, protecting her little one and reminding others that boundaries must be respected.
