11 Comments
User's avatar
Kathleen | The Reading Rebel's avatar

Allison! Thank you for this! Thank you for gently reminding us that monkeys, in this case, are just being monkeys and stop applying our human ways to what's happening here. It's so interesting to observe with something like this the extreme reactions people are having. They are reacting without knowing all the details, like you so articulately provided. It's also just as interesting to recognize how much calmer I feel after getting more context from someone who knows a ton and studying a ton of monkey behavior. Thanks for being the monkey voice of reason :) Keep writing!

Allison Lau's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and I'm so glad this helped! It's so important for people to consult experts and know when to stay in their lane.

The amount of care and fandom Panchi is receiving is fantastic: nonhuman primates are so worth every bit of care and consideration the public's giving Panchi! And it's so important to make sure that the outcry is an educated one. There are so many extremist groups whom I've seen twisting Panchi's story and preying upon people's empathy as a way to further their goals.

Stories like Panchi are a great example of how hard work and diligent care can lead to happy outcomes for sweet babies like Panchi!

Kathleen | The Reading Rebel's avatar

Couldn’t agree more!

Amy Benavides's avatar

What an insightful and helpful piece, Allison! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! I admit I’ve felt badly for Punch and my son’s girlfriend has been even more upset! I’ll share with her and with others!

Allison Lau's avatar

I hope it helps reassure people that what we're witnessing is actually a huge success story! Punch is okay, and he's doing a great job integrating into his social world :)

Katie's avatar

Love that you cut through all the noise on this one!

Allison Lau's avatar

It’s easy to get distracted by such a cute face and such seemingly harsh behaviors!

Michelle Jones's avatar

Really interesting information. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Allison Lau's avatar

Of course! Thank you for reading!

Danny Lau's avatar

I say let a warthog and a meerkat raise it.

Allison Lau's avatar

Honestly, parents can learn a lot from Timon + Pumba.