The moment he bit into the grape, his expression changed. The sweet juice burst in his mouth, and his delighted chirp signaled to the others that it was safe—and delicious. That was all it took. Suddenly, the rest of the troop surged forward, eager to get their share of the feast.
We sat quietly, holding out bunches of grapes and peeled bananas as the monkeys gathered around. It was fascinating to watch their eating habits up close. Each monkey had a unique way of handling the fruit. Some gently plucked a single grape and rolled it in their fingers before popping it into their mouths. Others stuffed as many as they could fit in their cheeks, looking hilariously puffed up as they chewed.
The bananas were just as popular. The larger monkeys peeled them expertly, using their nimble fingers with surprising precision, while the younger ones often bit straight through the skin, too impatient to wait. A few even tried to sneak extra bananas by tucking them under their arms, only to be chased by older members who wanted their share.
One of the most heartwarming moments was seeing the mothers feed their babies. They carefully chewed pieces of banana into smaller bites before passing them gently to their little ones. The tiny babies squealed with excitement, clutching the fruit with their miniature hands as they nibbled happily.
Amid all the excitement, there were a few playful scuffles. Two young males got into a tug-of-war over a single banana, chattering loudly as they pulled it back and forth. In the end, the banana split in half, and each ran off with their prize.
By the time the basket was nearly empty, the monkeys were visibly satisfied. Some lay back lazily on the branches, licking the last bits of grape juice from their fingers. Others continued to groom one another, their bellies full and their energy mellowed.
Watching them enjoy the feast was a wonderful experience. It was a reminder of how food brings not only nourishment but also joy and bonding to animals, just as it does for humans. The troop’s chatter slowly faded as they returned to the forest, leaving behind the echoes of their happy feast.
