A Toque Macaque mother shares her wisdom

While you’re small, stay close to me and the others who know your smell and your voice. I see you watching the ground and getting curious about all those new scents you’re smelling. I know you want to climb down and investigate everything at once. But the ground isn’t always kind. There are dogs that chase first and think later, wheels that don’t slow down, and humans who forget how small you are. When you feel that unsure flutter in your chest, climb. Just climb. Trees have never let us down. From up there you can sit, watch for a bit, and decide if things are truly safe. And listen carefully about humans. Some are gentle. Some are careless. Some will hold out food that smells wonderful but isn’t meant for you at all. Don’t rush at their hands. Wait. If food is left for you, it will be set down. Your stomach is clever, even when your nose is making big promises. There. Nearly done. You’re calmer now. See how your breathing has slowed? Come here, closer. Rest against me for a moment before you dash off again. The world will want you to be quick and clever soon enough. Brave too, I suppose. But right now you are small, and warm, and safe beside me. That is more than enough for today.

Found across much of the island, Toque Macaques are a familiar sight and are often comfortable around people. They can even be seen on occasion passing through the grounds of the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps. This tender moment between mother and child was photographed by a Mahoora Naturalist in Yala National Park.