A concerning and unusual scene has unfolded in a forest reserve, drawing the attention of researchers and wildlife monitors alike. A young mother monkey, still new to the role of caregiving, has been observed engaging in a dangerous behavior—repeatedly diving into a nearby river while holding her newborn baby. These repeated plunges, while seemingly playful or instinctual, have placed the fragile infant at serious risk, with several close calls where the baby nearly drowned.
The mother, identified as a juvenile female named Nira, gave birth just days ago. At first, her behavior seemed within the range of normal, albeit somewhat anxious. But her fascination with water quickly escalated into a dangerous pattern. Instead of keeping her newborn dry and close to her chest—standard protective behavior among primate mothers—Nira has been seen jumping into the river with the baby still clinging to her.
Observers from a nearby conservation program have been closely monitoring the situation. According to reports, the newborn initially struggled each time it was submerged, sputtering and flailing in the water. The infant is still too young to swim or even lift its head properly, and its tiny frame is ill-equipped to handle sudden immersion. Though infant monkeys have some reflexive abilities in water, they are entirely dependent on their mothers to keep them safe during their earliest weeks.
What makes this situation particularly alarming is the persistence of the behavior. Rather than being a one-time mistake, Nira has returned to the water repeatedly over the course of several days. Her actions suggest a lack of maternal understanding rather than malice—likely a symptom of inexperience or stress. In wild primate populations, mothers often learn how to care for their young by observing others. Without that exposure, young mothers like Nira may struggle to develop appropriate behaviors.
Despite her apparent attachment to the baby—she does not abandon it or act aggressively—her misunderstanding of its physical limits is putting the infant in constant danger. On one occasion, the baby was observed floating motionless after a dive, requiring several minutes of rest before it began moving again. Such incidents could lead to respiratory infections, hypothermia, or worse if they continue unchecked.
Senior females in Nira’s troop have been seen nearby during these episodes but have not intervened, which is not uncommon in wild settings. Interference in maternal behavior is rare among non-human primates unless the baby is actively threatened or abandoned. However, the troop’s tolerance may not last if the baby’s survival continues to be jeopardized.
Wildlife experts are now considering whether intervention is warranted. Potential actions include temporary removal of the baby for medical observation, attempts to redirect Nira’s behavior through environmental management, or—if the situation escalates—placing the baby with a more experienced foster mother.
The case of Nira and her newborn is a stark reminder that even in the natural world, parenting doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes, instinct falters, and the fragile line between survival and tragedy is left hanging in the balance.
