A group of young anglers in Sulawesi, Indonesia, had their quiet fishing trip unexpectedly interrupted when a monkey escaped from its cage and charged towards them, sending the group scattering, with one even tumbling into the water.
The incident, which took place on 29 August, appeared on TikTok page @mustsharenews, where it quickly gained traction.
The video shows the children calmly fishing by a pond before suddenly erupting into chaos as the monkey dashes into view.
In the video, several of the anglers scream and scramble to get away, with one leaping into the pond out of sheer panic. Interestingly, none of them appear to be adults, and viewers have speculated that they were all minors.
@mustsharenews The monkey finally got his payback 🐒#mustsharenews #tiktoksg #indonesia #monkeys ♬ original sound – MustShareNews
The monkey stops in its tracks when it sees the young angler floundering in the water. For a moment, the two simply stare at each other, frozen.
One TikTok commenter joked, “monkey: I didn’t even do anything,” while another laughed, “and not even one person helped him.”
Others sympathised with the fleeing children, with one remarking, “Okay, but like it’s tiny, fast, with razor sharp teeth. I wouldn’t take my chances either.”
According to the monkey’s owner, the primate may have targeted one of the boys because “he often played pranks on the monkey,” suggesting there may have been a bit of unfinished monkey business at play.
How to Avoid Monkey Trouble
While this particular encounter ended harmlessly (aside from a soggy angler), wildlife experts warn that wild or escaped monkeys can pose a risk to humans. The non-profit organisation Monkey Helpline advises several simple steps to avoid being attacked or chased by monkeys.
- Use water: If monkeys are loitering around your garden, home, or even on rooftops, spraying them with water from a hose can safely deter them. A gentle but firm jet of water encourages the animal to retreat without causing harm.
- Avoid staring or smiling at monkeys: As counterintuitive as it may seem, making eye contact or showing your teeth can be interpreted by monkeys as a sign of aggression. Loud noises or camera flashes can also make them uncomfortable and more likely to lash out.
- Keep your distance: Never approach or attempt to touch monkeys, especially baby ones. Mother monkeys can become highly aggressive if they think their young are in danger. It’s best to admire from afar and move away calmly.
If you accidentally come into contact with a monkey or its droppings, wash your hands immediately with soap and water to prevent any possible infections.
Although this Sulawesi incident became an amusing viral moment, it’s a reminder that even small monkeys can be unpredictable and sometimes, the safest option is simply to give them space and let them pass by in peace.
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