Lindy Elmes loves wildlife. When she’s not busy helping animals as the founder of Wildlife Rescue, a rehabilitation group based in South Africa, the rescuer and researcher can often be found observing her wild neighbors, trying to learn as much as she can.
Recently, Elmes was driving when she noticed a group of vervet monkeys huddled around a duiker, a small African antelope.
The animal lover immediately pulled to the side of the road.
Elmes kept a careful distance and watched as the monkeys dutifully groomed the duiker, picking things out of his fur. The interaction was “wonderfully unexpected,” as these two species rarely form bonds like this in the wild.
“It’s not common behavior, although I have witnessed it before,” Elmes told The Dodo. “Duikers are usually very skittish and would move off very quickly in a more open area.”
However, this particular Duiker seemed to appreciate his monkey friends.
“[He] would not tolerate this type of behavior if [he] was not completely relaxed and enjoying every moment,” Elmes said.
Elmes was particularly charmed by the baby monkey in the troop, who took cues from his parents and happily helped out.
“[The baby] was so precious and stole the show,” Elmes said. “It was so confident … I smiled throughout and still smile each time I watch the video.”
You can watch the moment unfold in a video here:
The rescuer is so glad she happened to be at the right place at the right time that day.
“Every moment in the wild is absolutely fascinating to me,” Elmes said. “This unexpected moment was so delightful to witness. I feel privileged that they allowed me to stay and watch.”
