The Monkey Mountain
Visiting Khao Takiab, also known as Chopstick Hill or the Monkey Mountain. A mountain filled with hundreds of macaque monkeys that run around free. I've been to Gibraltars Rock before, where I saw a lot of monkeys, but it was nothing compared to the amount they have in Khao Takiab. I heard that they have started to castrate some of the monkeys because the population was growing out of hand.
Whilst the monkeys can look really cute, they are known to be quite the cleptomaniacs and are riddled with disease. A bite or a scratch from a monkey is pretty much a bullet proof way of catching rabies, not a fun way to end a holiday, or life. One little monkey gave me a scare by grabbing me with both hands by my bare calf and looked me straight in the eyes, clearly begging for some food. I didn't know if I should stay still or kick him away, so I just froze and he let go when my friend took a step closer.
The conditions for photography were a bit challenging when I was simultaneously trying to get a good shot, and trying not to get bitten by a monkey. Fortunately I had a friend with me who was covering my six while I took pictures. The little ones looked really playful and it would have been fun to pet them, but some of the bigger ones were clearly showing us that this was their territory.
Taken with the Nikon D7200 and Nikkor 55-200mm 4-5.6G.
Amazing photos, well done
Looks nice, good experience for you
Great post
That is cute and scary at same time . Being photographer can be risky job but I guess its all worth it . 😊😊😊
Sorry, I had to. It's just that glare the one on the right is giving. :)
Haha that was fast!
I know! I couldn't help it. That side-eye just cracks me up. I've probably been watching too much Drag Race. :)
I approve of this message.
I’ve always wanted to try that spammer line!
You should make a badge. "100% Eve Approved" :)
🤢🤮
Remember that reaction the next time you think about doing that. ;)
HAHA yessss
Oh monkeys... so cute and playful but oh so mischievous. It is sad how dependent they are becoming on humans and our sugar filled foods in many cities.
Great shot.
Amazinge picture.
I’m a little scared of monkeys but they look so adorable in your captures.
I didn’t think I would be scared of monkeys but when there are everywhere around you, it was a little daunting. I’m glad I had my zoom lens so I didn’t have to go right up to them.
That’s good because you don’t want any monkeys upset that you’re in their personal space. My brother and I went to a run down zoo as kids in Laos and he got too close to a monkey enclosure and they tried pulling him in.
How scary, no wonder that you are afraid of them!
The pictures look good I like the baby and the one with the ocean in the background.Sometimes the "bad" behavior is caused by interactions with humans/tourists. Is it the same in Khao Takiab or just typical behavior for them?
I hope they didn't hurt you. ;)
Right up my street, looks like you having fun 💯🐒
This was more like vibe of 200 monkeys ;)
They must be well awake then 💯🐒
Pictures have their own language and this picture speaks alot.