Sunday, June 6, 2010

Run, Run, and Run

When I arrived at the abandoned dam at Cerok Tokun, I seemed to occupy the entrance to the walkway, while the monkeys were gathering at the other side. They were blocked.

Though monkeys are fierce, my previous experience ensured me that they would never get past me in this narrow walkway. They did test my response but I continued to stand still which made them giving up finally. They came back with a leader later who repeated trying the same, but decided not to take the presumed risk.

When I saw two monkeys dashing towards me this morning, I knew somehow they would stop before me. I was armed. I was armed with a camera which might mean a pistol to them.

I did not know why the monkey running in front kept looking back. I only knew my hypothesis was right.

They had then returned to the weathered and worn control tower. I waited for a few minutes but they never come out, so I decided to get closer to have a peep.

Oh, I guessed I had the answer.

I had the answer on why the monkey kept looking back while running, and why they were running. I shall tell you in my next post. But before that, what is your guess?

24 comments:

Kirigalpoththa said...

Are they protecting the little ones?

Diane AZ said...

Wow, I can count 13 monkeys in the first shot! I can't wait to see why the monkey kept looking back. My guess, he was keeping an eye on some food.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful post and photos, love the monkeys. My guess is that the first monkey wanted to make sure he had back up. You are brave to get so close. I will look forward to hearing your answer.

The Retired One said...

Wow! That is a LOT of monkeys and an amazing shot...
my guess is that there was someone else in the building also with a camera and they were trapped between two photographers. hahaaaaa

wenn said...

i would definitely run if I see monkeys approaching!

Anonymous said...

I think monkeys are interesting creatures, but I also am not very comfortable to see them approaching like that.

Ginnymo said...

I'd be afraid to walk near those monkeys. I'll be waiting for your next post.

ruthi said...

OH OH OH.... this is another series of your reality photo show? Love it. It makes me so excited.

I was guessing the monkey is trying to pose for the picture. hahahaha

Covnitkepr1 said...

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Kilauea Poetry said...

What a terrific series and setting! I'd be watching those guys (lol)! Regina-

Anonymous said...

If I see monkeys running towards me, I will most likely start run away...hehe.

Mike said...

Rainfield, Macaques can be extremely territorial as I am sure you know.

Clearly the leader is looking to test your resolve, or are they protecting something hidden away?

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

It is like synchronizes dancing, esp the second photo, Both the tails are sticking up.

I remember I went some where in Penang, thee were monkeys. May be it is the same place. It has been more than 10 years since I went to Penang.

I just posted on my other blog on wake crashers. That happens to Penang too? Would like to hear experience,

http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/06/wake-crashers.html

Harshi said...

Wow.. that's one big monkey family! You're really daring Rain to have taken a pic of them that close. =D

My guess is.. they rushed to the tower to call for their kith and kin to gather around.. so this paparazzi member can take their snaps and make them world famous?! =D

lim said...

waiting for further monkey story

rainfield61 said...

I bet nobody will get the right answer. It is kind of out of imagination.

CH said...

Maybe they are playing hide and seek.

Joanne Olivieri said...

I think I would run if I saw so many of them which would probably have them chasing me. They are looking back to protect their baby monkeys is my guess. You are brave Rainfield.

George said...

I'm very impressed with your bravery and your steady hand on your camera when confronted by so many monkeys. I have no idea why the leader was looking back, so I look forward to your next post.

AVCr8teur said...

My guess is he kept looking back to make sure his partner was there to help him in case there was trouble.

You are brave. There were many monkeys, but only 1 of you.

VanillaSeven said...

Because there was Monkey King inside that tower?

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Fierce looking with raided tails!

Rick (Ratty) said...

That's a lot of monkeys! I think you were right not to run, but only if you were reasonably sure they weren't going to hurt you. Most animals won't continue a chase if you don't run, except for predators. I hold my ground like this with deer all the time, and their reaction is the same as the monkeys. I thought maybe they were looking back to see if the others were following too, but maybe they are protecting something. I guess it could be babies, but I don't know anything about monkey behavior. Good post!

Ayie said...

i like the 2nd photo with their tails up...so much the same =)