In the quiet corner of the troop’s gathering spot, young monkey Janet had found a moment of comfort. She was nursing gently from Jane, an older and nurturing female known for being kind to many of the troop’s young ones—not just her own.
But that moment of peace didn’t last.
From the nearby branches, Blacky was watching. He had seen Janet approach Jane, and his body began to tense. Whether out of jealousy, protectiveness, or confusion, Blacky didn’t seem to like what he saw.
Suddenly, he leapt down and rushed toward Janet. The moment turned chaotic in seconds. He lunged at her with sharp, quick movements, startling both Janet and Jane. Janet let out a cry and tried to flee, but not before Blacky gave her a rough swipe across her back.
Jane quickly stepped between them, pushing Blacky away, showing a strong protective stance. The older monkey’s actions helped calm the situation, but Janet was already shaken. She clung to a branch nearby, breathing heavily, wide-eyed with fear.
This kind of behavior, while upsetting, is not uncommon in monkey troops. Tensions can rise over food, territory, or social bonds—especially when affection and resources are shared across group lines.
Blacky’s aggression may not come from cruelty, but from the complex emotions monkeys often feel: jealousy, insecurity, or the need to assert their place in the group.
