A group of monkeys snatch a baby while the mum was breastfeeding the infant. Despite the family's efforts, the 1-month-old baby died due to severe injuries sustained from the incident.
In this article, you'll read:
- A Group of Monkeys Snatch Baby While Mum Was Breastfeeding
- The Truth Behind the Tragedy of Baby Snatched by Monkeys
- Tips on Keeping Your Kids Safe When Near Animals
A Group of Monkeys Snatch Baby While Mum Was Breastfeeding
A monkey in Tanzania in east Africa snatched a month-old baby while his mum was breastfeeding him. The incident happened on the 18th of June in the Mwamogongi village in Kigoma. The mother, Shayima Said, was breastfeeding her son when the troop of monkeys invaded their house.
According to a news outlet, a monkey snatched the baby from Shayima Said before returning to its troop. James Manyama, a Kigoma regional police commander, said the mother yelled, asking for help.
James Manyama also added: "Villagers rushed to her house to assist her in getting her child—identified as Luhaiba Said—back from the troop of monkeys."
One of the monkeys held the child in its hand, which is why the villagers rushed to help. The people trying to help had no choice but to use force to free the child.
"When the villagers came, it was too late because the baby was already in the hands of monkeys," said Manyama.
The villagers were able to get back the child from the monkeys. Unfortunately, the infant sustained severe injuries to the neck and head.
They rushed the baby to a nearby hospital because he was badly hurt. Heartbreakingly, the little boy did not make it and passed away soon after they reached the hospital.
The species of the monkey that snatched the baby remains unclear. However, the area where the incident happened was Mwamgongo village, located in the western part of Tanzania. It shares the border with Gombe National Park, a nature reserve well-known for its chimpanzee families.
Gombe is the smallest of all Tanzania's national parks. It is full of steep slopes and river valleys, which is also home to other species of monkeys. It includes beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys.
The Truth Behind the Tragedy of Baby Snatched by Monkeys
According to the regional police commander, the "incidents of animals invading villages are uncommon" as the village share a border with Gombe National Park. However, incidents of monkeys snatching children are unheard of; it remains rare.
In January of this year, a group of monkeys killed a 2-month-old in Baghpat, India. The child died because the monkeys drowned him in a water tank.
Local news reports said that the child was sleeping next to his grandmother during that time. They were in a room next to a terrace when the monkeys entered through the open door and dragged him away.
Jessica Mayhew is an associate professor and director of the primate behaviour and ecology program at Central Washington University. According to her, this type of behaviour is "uncommon," and knowing the context of such an incident is critical.
Additionally, there have also been reports recently that monkeys in eastern Ethiopia are attacking children in local communities. A charity organisation named Save the Children raised this issue. According to them, the incident happened because of the ongoing drought in the country.
Extreme weather events are causing monkeys to become more desperate for water. The situation forces the monkeys to venture into neighbourhoods and snatch resources away from people.
Tips on Keeping Your Kids Safe When Near Animals
It is fun to have animals around. However, knowing how to be safe when you are with them is also essential.
When going outside your house, remember that the world is full of great animals to see and encounter. You and your child may see different kinds of animals depending on the place and environment you live in.
Avoid Going Near Any Wild Animal
It should be the number one rule for kids outside their homes. Some animals may look cute and cool; still, the kids need to avoid touching them.
Animals outdoors are not like regular pets. They are not used to being around the people; they may bite or attack if you come near them. Additionally, they might also have rabies.
Do Not Feed Animals That You Spot
It would help if you never allowed your child to feed wild animals. Bird feeders may be okay; however, other animals should never be fed even if they look really hungry.
When it comes to animals, it is better for everyone, especially kids, to stay away from them. It could be better to only check them out at the zoo, on the internet, on TV nature shows, or in books.
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