These baby monkeys, often no more than a few weeks or months old, are still adjusting to life without their mothers. In most cases, their mothers have either been lost due to poaching, injury, or abandonment. In the absence of that natural motherly care, the staff or caregivers provide milk through bottles. However, when there are many hungry mouths and not enough hands or bottles to go around, conflicts arise.
Watching these little monkeys scramble, push, and sometimes cry out for their turn is both adorable and heartbreaking. One might tug at the bottle while another tries to climb over them, determined to get just a sip. Sometimes, the more assertive ones get most of the milk, while the shy or weaker ones are pushed aside. This inequality can lead to scuffles, small bites, or aggressive behavior, which would otherwise be uncommon if their needs were fully met.
Caregivers do their best to feed them in turns or provide multiple bottles at once, but even then, the impatience and desperation among the babies often turn feeding time into a chaotic frenzy. Their eyes widen as they see the caregiver approaching with bottles. They reach out, cling to arms, and even squeal, trying to grab attention.
It’s important to understand that these fights are not due to bad behavior, but a simple response to survival instincts. In nature, the strongest often get fed first, and this instinct continues even in human care settings. Without the comfort of a mother’s constant presence and milk supply, baby monkeys naturally become more competitive.
Over time, as the babies become familiar with the routine and feel more secure, these aggressive behaviors typically decrease. The more they are loved, fed regularly, and nurtured, the more peaceful and playful they become. But until then, each feeding session feels like a battle—a race to the bottle and a fight to feel full.
Despite the chaos, there is something deeply moving about how these little ones still show affection toward each other after the struggle. You’ll see one grooming the other, or cuddling close for warmth. Their fights over milk are fierce, but their bond remains strong.
This daily drama reminds us just how vulnerable and emotionally complex baby monkeys are. They deserve patience, care, and above all, compassion.
