A desperate and tragic scene unfolded in the waters of Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park, showcasing a rare display of animal bravery and emotion. A troop of monkeys leaped into a crocodile-infested river in a valiant but failed attempt to rescue a baby monkey from the jaws of a predator.
A Desperate Leap into Danger
The incident occurred on Thursday in the Kharinashi river, a tributary of the Mahanadi, under the Mahakalapada forest range. Eyewitness Ramesh Jena of Ramanagar village described the harrowing moment. "A saltwater crocodile dragged a monkey into the river. Around 20 monkeys immediately leaped into the water to protect the infant. But the crocodile killed it," he said.
Forest officials confirmed that monkeys typically avoid crossing this dangerous river. ACF (Bhitarkanika) Manas Kumar Das stated the troop entered the water solely for the rescue mission. After searching for nearly 45 minutes, the grieving monkeys returned to the riverbank, unable to save their young.
Experts Highlight Deep Animal Bonds
The video of the event quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention to the protective instincts of wildlife. Sudhanshu Parida, district unit secretary of People for Animals (PFA), called it a rare display of animal emotion. "Animals feel the same emotions as humans. In fact, they are often more loyal, loving and kind," Parida remarked.
He elaborated on the social structure of monkeys, noting that mothers form intense protective bonds, carrying and grooming their infants constantly. While females provide most direct care, males contribute significantly to the overall security of the troop.
Growing Human-Crocodile Conflict in Bhitarkanika
This poignant animal drama contrasts sharply with an escalating crisis for local human communities. The area around Bhitarkanika National Park has seen a sharp intensification of human-crocodile conflict. According to reports, estuarine crocodiles have killed 12 people in the last two years and 28 people in the past 43 months.
Narayan Haldar, former sarpanch of Kharinashi gram panchayat, voiced the community's fear and frustration. "The crocodile menace has been growing for years. Once an endangered species in the 1970s, they are now seen even in rivers and creeks far from Bhitarkanika. Rivers are our lifelines — farmers and fishermen are suffering as crocodile attacks keep rising."
The region's ecosystem supports a large population of reptiles. The latest census indicates Bhitarkanika’s mangrove forests and swamps are home to 1,826 saltwater crocodiles. The threat extends beyond humans to livestock, with several cows, goats, and sheep also falling victim.
Bidhan Das of Rajkanika summarized the pervasive fear: "Nobody can go near the river now. Even animals get killed when they go to drink water." The incident of the monkeys, while highlighting compassion in the animal kingdom, also underscores the dangerous reality of sharing a habitat with a thriving predator population, leaving riverside communities anxious about their safety and livelihoods.
