Forest Rodeo. Ohshima quickly framed an unusual interaction as a macaque jumped on a deer. A sudden movement behind the sika stag caught Ohshima’s eye. In an instant—using a tree as a springboard—a young Yakushima macaque jumped onto the deer’s back. Riding of deer by the monkeys of Yakushima Island is rare, but not unheard-of. Young male macaques have been seen clinging to female deer and trying to mate with them. In this case, however, the macaque was a young female, appearing just to be enjoying a free ride. Location: Yakushima, Kagoshima, Japan. #
© Atsuyuki Ohshima / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
I saw this deer monkey shocker, a few months ago, and should have posted it then when my slack jawed disbelief was fresh. I still do not know what to make of it. It is so out of the ordinary. It is like a live action Larson cartoon begging for a caption. The deer does not look stressed which suggests it is used to it but why would it tolerate the monkey. So many questions. I can’t help but think this could be a big deal and wonder why I have not seen it elsewhere.
On further inspection, the story is even more bizarre than I imagined.
I am astonished every day.