Macaque Monkey Steals Camera And Takes Photo Of Himself

A macaque monkey in Indonesia snatched a camera from a wildlife photographer before snapping himself in a variety of poses.

AsianScientist (Jul. 6, 2011) – A macaque monkey in Indonesia snatched a camera from a wildlife photographer before snapping himself in a variety of poses.

David Slater, 46, from Coleford, Gloucestershire, was on a trip to a small national park north of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi when he met the incredibly friendly bunch.

The crested black macaque is an endangered species found only on two islands in Indonesia. They have entirely black faces and bodies except for the striking bright pink coloration on the rump. These were part of a study group near a science base in the region, home to researchers from Holland.

“I walked with them for about three days in a row. They befriended us and showed absolutely no aggression – they were just interested in the things I was carrying,” David said.

The primate became fascinated with its own reflection in the lens, and started taking photos of himself.

The photographer is snapped with two macaque monkeys by a third monkey (Source: David J Slaters/Caters).

“He must have taken hundreds of pictures by the time I got my camera back, but not very many were in focus. He obviously hadn’t worked that out yet,” David continued.

“I wish I could have stayed longer as he probably would have taken a full family album.”

——

Source: The Telegraph, David Slaters.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.