Morning sunlight spilled gently over the familiar monkey park, warming the rocks and tree branches where the troop was beginning to stir. Among them was CUTIS, the well-known big brother of the group—curious, playful, and always full of energy. Today, however, the atmosphere felt extra special. A newborn monkey had arrived, tiny and pink-faced, clinging tightly to its mother’s belly. And CUTIS? He was absolutely fascinated.
From the moment CUTIS noticed the newborn, his eyes widened with excitement. He tilted his head, staring with intense curiosity as if trying to understand how something so small could suddenly become the center of everyone’s attention. The newborn barely moved, only making tiny squeaks while gripping its mother’s fur with surprising strength. CUTIS crept closer, step by careful step, his movements exaggerated and cautious—unusual for someone normally so bold.
The mother monkey sat calmly, but her eyes never left CUTIS. She trusted him, but a newborn was precious. CUTIS reached out a finger slowly, then quickly pulled it back, as if the baby might explode or shout at him. This sudden retreat made nearby monkeys pause, then chatter softly. CUTIS scratched his head, clearly confused, then tried again.
This time, he made a funny face—puffing his cheeks and raising his eyebrows dramatically. The newborn blinked slowly, unimpressed. CUTIS seemed shocked. He tried again, sticking out his tongue briefly and tilting his head from side to side. Still nothing. CUTIS looked around as if asking the others, “Why isn’t this working?”
Suddenly, the newborn let out a tiny squeak and wriggled slightly. CUTIS jumped backward in surprise, nearly losing his balance. The troop burst into excited chatter. CUTIS froze, eyes wide, then slowly relaxed when he realized the baby wasn’t attacking him. He looked embarrassed but quickly turned the moment into comedy—rolling his shoulders and pretending he meant to jump like that all along.
As the morning went on, CUTIS stayed nearby, watching every tiny movement. When the mother adjusted the newborn on her belly, CUTIS leaned in again. This time, he gently touched the baby’s foot. The newborn curled its toes reflexively. CUTIS gasped and pulled his hand back, staring at his own fingers as if they had betrayed him. He shook them dramatically, making everyone around him alert and amused.
CUTIS soon discovered that the newborn responded to sound. He made soft clicking noises, then louder ones, then suddenly went silent. When the baby turned its head slightly, CUTIS looked proud—like a magician who had just completed a successful trick. He repeated the sound, this time adding a playful bounce. The newborn responded with another tiny squeak. CUTIS nearly lost control with excitement.
But being funny also means being clumsy.
At one point, CUTIS tried to sit beside the mother, misjudged the space, and slid slightly down the rock. It wasn’t dangerous—just awkward. CUTIS quickly stood up and pretended nothing happened, brushing imaginary dirt off his arms. The mother glanced at him briefly, unimpressed. CUTIS froze, then slowly sat properly, behaving as if he had planned it that way all along.
Midday arrived, and the newborn slept deeply, breathing softly against its mother. CUTIS lowered his energy, sitting quietly nearby. He watched the baby sleep with wide eyes, head tilted, clearly amazed by how peaceful the tiny creature looked. For once, CUTIS was still. Even the birds above seemed quieter.
Then curiosity returned.
CUTIS picked up a leaf and gently waved it near the baby—not touching, just close enough to move the air. The baby twitched slightly. CUTIS froze. He waited. The baby stayed asleep. CUTIS nodded to himself as if confirming an important scientific experiment. He dropped the leaf and sat proudly.
Other monkeys passed by, glancing at the scene. Some groomed CUTIS briefly, as if acknowledging his new role as entertainer. CUTIS soaked up the attention but never strayed far from the newborn.
In the afternoon, the baby woke up hungry and began searching instinctively for milk. CUTIS watched closely, eyes full of questions. When the baby latched on, CUTIS leaned forward too far and accidentally sniffed loudly. The baby startled and let go, crying softly. CUTIS jumped back in panic.
The mother immediately adjusted the baby and shot CUTIS a sharp look. CUTIS froze completely, eyes wide, posture stiff. Slowly, he lowered his head and backed away, clearly apologetic. He sat a short distance away, hands folded together, looking as innocent as possible.
Moments later, the mother relaxed. CUTIS exhaled visibly.
As the baby nursed, CUTIS began doing silent comedy—making exaggerated expressions without sound. He puffed his cheeks, widened his eyes, and slowly crossed his arms like a serious guard. The baby finished nursing and looked around. CUTIS froze in his funniest pose. The baby stared blankly.
Then—miracle.
The baby opened its mouth and made a tiny sound that almost sounded like laughter.
CUTIS lost his mind.
He bounced in place, flapped his arms briefly, then stopped himself, remembering the mother’s warning. He turned his excitement into a careful, joyful sway instead. Nearby monkeys responded with chatter, clearly entertained by CUTIS’s emotional rollercoaster.
As evening approached, the forest softened in color. The newborn slept again, safely tucked against its mother. CUTIS sat beside them, calmer now, occasionally glancing at the baby and then away, as if trying not to stare too much.
Before nightfall, CUTIS gently groomed the mother—slow, respectful movements. It was his way of saying thank you for allowing him near the newborn. The mother accepted, relaxed, trusting him once more.
When darkness settled, CUTIS curled up nearby, still close enough to keep watch but far enough to give space. The newborn slept peacefully, unaware that it had already become the star of the troop—and the greatest source of joy and comedy for one very funny big brother.
CUTIS’s playful heart had found a new purpose. With his clumsy jokes, exaggerated reactions, and endless curiosity, he brought laughter to the day—but also showed care, patience, and growing maturity.
In the life of monkeys, moments like these matter. And with CUTIS around, even the quiet days become unforgettable. 🤩
