Little Chamroeun was having a calm moment near his family when an unexpected disturbance changed everything. His older sister, Minea, who is known in the troop for her mischievous and sometimes forceful behavior, approached him with restless energy.
Without warning, Minea grabbed Chamroeun roughly, pulling him as if he were nothing more than a toy. Chamroeun’s small body tensed immediately; his eyes widened in fear as he tried to resist. But Minea’s grip was strong, and her intention to dominate the moment was clear.
For Chamroeun, this sudden roughness was deeply frightening. He squeaked softly, a small cry for help. His tiny arms reached out to steady himself, but Minea pulled him again, treating him more like a doll than a little brother.
Thankfully, nearby family members noticed the commotion. An adult—likely his mother or father—intervened, stepping between the two and giving Chamroeun a chance to escape. The adult’s presence sent a clear signal to Minea that her behavior was unacceptable.
Moments like these reveal the complicated social learning that happens within a monkey troop. Older juveniles like Minea are still developing an understanding of limits, kindness, and social bonds. Sometimes, they test boundaries in ways that appear harsh or even cruel.
