It’s always special to watch monkeys in action and this memorable sighting of vervet monkeys filmed by Hannes van Heerden in the Pumba Private Game Reserve is no exception.
What made the moment extra special was the inclusion of a bushbuck in the action. The timid antelope stood perfectly still, while the busy troop of vervet monkeys gathered around her, and gave her glossy coat a special cleaning.
Vervet monkeys gather around bushbuck
Grooming among vervet monkeys is a vital social behaviour used to reinforce bonds, reduce stress, and maintain hygiene.
Usually these monkeys keep their grooming behaviour between themselves, however, on rare occasions they do extend this courtesy to other animals.
These vervet monkeys had gathered around an unassuming bushbuck. They decided to give the buck a ‘vervet monkey makeover’.
On the rare occasion a vervet monkey grooms a buck, it’s usually a gentle and curious activity. These vervet monkeys plucked at loose fur, debris, and parasites as is grooming procedure for the species.
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The bushbuck is a naturally shy antelope, however, it remained calm and trusting allowing the interaction to occur. Its calm demeanor in spite of the busy intrusion of the monkeys was in itself miraculous.
Bushbuck remains still while grooming gets underway
The bushbuck’s decision to remain still and not to run away made this a rare sighting.
The monkeys presented a comical picture as they insisted in adopting the buck as one of their own for that moment. Together they took the animal through the grooming routine.
The buck remained steady and straight-faced. It did nothing to retaliate against the monkey troop and seemed perfectly content for them to continue with the grooming.
Social antics of vervet monkeys on full display
Vervet monkeys are highly social primates which live in structured groups called troops. While this troop was fairly small, troops can range from a few individuals to over 30 members.
The troops are usually composed of related females, their offspring, and a few adult males. Female vervet monkeys remain in their birth groups for life, while males leave the troop upon reaching maturity to join new groups, which helps prevent inbreeding.
The social hierarchy within the troop is well-established, especially among females, with rank often passed from mother to daughter. Grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and resolving conflict within the group.
These monkeys are also known for their complex vocal communication and they are highly intelligent, manipulating objects to solve problems, especially in human-altered environments.
Shy buck left just that much cleaner
They successfully won the trust of the buck, and also left the shy bushbuck just that much cleaner than before!
For Hannes, the sighting provided an amusing glimpse into the social, comical behaviour of the monkey species. He was quick to send the clipping in to Latest Sightings believing everyone should witness the rare grooming party, where a buck for a moment joined the inner circle of a troop of vervet monkeys.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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