In a series of amusing photos taken in a game reserve, a vervet monkey appears to be performing CPR on a fellow female monkey.
Wildlife photographer William Steel captured the entertaining moment in Gaborone Game Reserve, Botswana.
At first glance, it seems the monkey is giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the collapsed female. The monkey seized the opportunity to groom her while she lay on the ground.
According to Steel, the female monkey dramatically fell to the ground with her limbs spread out.
Initially puzzled by the situation, Steel quickly realized what was happening when another monkey approached and appeared to be administering CPR by grabbing the fallen monkey’s mouth.
Upon further reflection, Steel believes the female’s theatrical performance may have been an attention-seeking ploy.
He explains that the social structure of monkey troops is similar to that of humans, with relationships built on reciprocity.
Grooming plays a significant role in forming bonds within the army and can even extend to cleaning wounds and caring for injured members.
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