Animal instincts

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Recently, I spent 2 weeks on a campus where humans coexist with a large population of monkeys (Rhesus). On the night of my departure, we counted about 25 monkeys in one group, comprising fathers, mothers, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. They roam freely in the campus without any issues. Interestingly, the humans in the campus seem to be more afraid of the monkeys than the monkeys are of humans. ‘

In conversations with friends on the campus, I realized that people tend to stay inside more due to fear of monkeys, almost feeling caged in. On the other hand, monkeys are least bothered because the green campus provides ample food for them. Humans, particularly men, walk around with sticks and catapults to protect their women from the monkeys.

 A similar peaceful coexistence was observed during a recent trip to Tanzania. Different animals coexist with each other harmoniously. Animals come close to safari jeeps, almost as if informing the humans of their presence. They have become so accustomed to humans in jeeps that they ignore them and continue with their own activities, indifferent to the humans' presence. The guide explained that lions will walk around zebras without either being afraid, but if they sense that the lions are there to hunt, they will quickly flee. Peaceful coexistence of herbivores and carnivores side by side is a common sight.


However, during my conversations with friends on the campus, I heard a different story. Once, a few Langur monkeys entered the campus. The Rhesus group came together and made a significant ruckus, forcing the Langurs to leave. The Rhesus monkeys displayed territorial behavior, not wanting their own kind, the Langurs, to invade their territory.

 

Upon reflection, this behavior reminds me of humanity's conduct as well. We happily coexist with animals, having them as pets, encountering cows on the streets, and allowing pigeons in our balconies. But when it comes to coexisting with our fellow human beings of different classes, castes, religions, or languages, we find it difficult. We still seem to nurture and cultivate "animal instincts" of territorial divides, even though animals often exhibit better behavior than humans. And all around us we see impacts of this ‘non coexistence’.

 

Oh, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity! To recognise that though we differ in caste, creed, colour, religion or language we all carry the image of God in us, which makes us brothers and sisters of one family! 






 

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