The morning mist still lingered above the treetops when Lina arrived at the edge of the sanctuary, carrying two large baskets. One was filled with ripe, golden bananas, their sweet aroma filling the air. The other was packed with crunchy biscuits—the monkeys’ special treat that she had baked just the night before. The moment she stepped into the clearing, she could already hear the faint echoes of chattering from the trees above. The monkeys had sensed her coming.
This was one of Lina’s favorite parts of her job—feeding time. But to her, it wasn’t just about giving food. It was about sharing love, kindness, and trust with the animals who had once lived through fear, loneliness, and hunger. Each banana she offered, each biscuit she handed out, was a message: You’re safe now. You’re loved.
As she walked deeper into the forest clearing, sunlight began to filter through the leaves, scattering golden light across the ground. Momo, the troop’s clever leader, was the first to appear. He swung down from the branches gracefully, landing a few meters away from Lina. His sharp eyes sparkled as he spotted the baskets.
“Good morning, Momo,” Lina greeted with a warm smile. “Look what I brought for you and your friends today.”
Momo let out a cheerful squeak, his tail swishing in excitement. His call echoed through the trees, and within seconds, the forest came alive. Monkeys began leaping from tree to tree, chattering, whistling, and scampering down branches toward her. The energy was contagious—the kind of joy that could make anyone smile.
Lina placed the baskets on a flat rock in the center of the clearing. “All right, everyone,” she said softly, “time to share.”
The monkeys gathered around her in a loose circle, their eyes wide, hands twitching with anticipation. They knew what was coming.
Momo reached first, carefully taking a banana from the basket. He peeled it in one smooth motion and took a big bite, his face lighting up with satisfaction. Nearby, Lala—the gentle mother monkey—waited patiently, holding her baby close. Lina handed her a biscuit, and Lala immediately broke it into smaller pieces for her little one. The baby nibbled shyly, crumbs sticking to its tiny fingers.
Bibi, the mischievous youngster, couldn’t contain himself. He darted forward, grabbed a banana, and dashed up a tree before anyone could stop him. From above, he began munching noisily, making exaggerated chewing sounds as if to tease the others. The troop below looked up, half-annoyed and half-amused. Lina laughed out loud. “Bibi, you little rascal! You always have to make a scene, don’t you?”
Soon, the clearing turned into a lively feast. Monkeys were everywhere—some sitting quietly with bananas, others dipping biscuits into water puddles as if softening them, and a few playing tug-of-war over who got the bigger fruit. The chatter, the crunching, and the laughter created a beautiful melody of life.
Lina sat down on the grass, watching with a peaceful smile. Every single one of these monkeys had a story. Some had been rescued from captivity, others found abandoned, weak, and scared. But now, here they were—free, playful, and full of life. Seeing them eat with such joy filled her heart more than words could express.
A small, timid monkey named Kiko slowly approached her. Unlike the others, Kiko had always been shy, still wary of humans. Lina held out a banana gently. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” she whispered. “This one’s for you.”
Kiko hesitated, then stepped closer. With trembling hands, he took the banana and quickly ran back to the nearest tree. A moment later, he peeked down at her with curious eyes, as if saying thank you. That small act—trusting enough to take food from her hand—meant the world to Lina. It was proof that kindness could heal even the deepest fears.
Meanwhile, Bibi had finished his banana and was eyeing the biscuits. He climbed back down and snatched one before running off again. This time, though, he didn’t eat it right away. He found a sunny spot on a rock, sat down like a little prince, and began nibbling delicately, enjoying every bite. Momo, amused, joined him with a biscuit of his own. They sat side by side, tails curled together, eating peacefully—a rare moment of calm between the two troublemakers.
The rest of the troop followed their lead. Some monkeys paired off to share food; others helped the younger ones peel bananas. The air smelled of sweetness and earth, and everywhere Lina looked, she saw contentment.
When she reached into the basket again, she found only a few bananas left. The biscuits were almost gone too. She decided to save the last pieces for the youngest monkeys. Carefully, she walked to where Lala sat with her baby. “Here,” she said softly, handing over the final banana. “You two can share this one.”
Lala took it gently, her eyes full of calm gratitude. She peeled it halfway and offered the first bite to her baby before taking one herself. It was such a simple act, but it spoke volumes about love—the kind that transcends species.
By now, the monkeys were full and happy. Some lounged lazily under the trees, others groomed one another, and a few played in the branches, swinging with newfound energy. The clearing, once filled with noise, now carried a gentle peace.
Lina collected the empty baskets and sat for a while, watching the monkeys in the dappled sunlight. Her heart was overflowing. To her, this wasn’t just feeding time—it was a sacred ritual of connection, a reminder that love could be expressed through the simplest gestures. A banana. A biscuit. A kind word.
She noticed Kiko again, sitting by himself on a branch, holding the banana peel from earlier. He looked down at her and made a soft chirping sound—a sound she had never heard from him before. It was quiet but full of warmth. She smiled, understanding it perfectly. He’s saying thank you.
“Anytime, little one,” she whispered back.
As the sun began to set, turning the forest golden and pink, the monkeys slowly settled down. Momo yawned and climbed to a high branch where he liked to sleep. Lala’s baby curled into her arms, eyelids heavy. Even Bibi, after all his energy and mischief, lay down on his favorite rock, hugging a half-eaten biscuit like a child with a toy.
Lina stood, brushing the leaves off her clothes. “Sleep well, everyone,” she said softly. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
The forest was peaceful again, the faint sounds of rustling leaves blending with the evening breeze. As she walked back toward the caretaker’s hut, Lina looked up at the trees one last time. A few monkeys waved their tails lazily, as if saying goodbye. She felt a wave of warmth wash over her.
That night, she wrote in her journal:
“Today, I shared bananas and biscuits with my monkey friends. Watching them eat, laugh, and play reminded me that love doesn’t need words. It can be seen in their eyes, heard in their joy, and felt in the quiet moments after. Sharing food with them is not just feeding—it’s sharing life.”
And indeed, it was true.
The monkeys had been fed, but so had Lina’s soul. The simple act of giving had filled her with peace, and the monkeys’ happiness had reflected it back like sunlight through the trees.
Sharing love with monkeys wasn’t just about bananas and biscuits—it was about connection, compassion, and the beautiful bond between humans and animals. A treat given with love becomes more than food; it becomes a bridge of trust and joy that lights up the heart of the forest.
