ALL ABOARD THE MONKEY EXPRESS

Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara. Holding on tight, these squirrel monkeys kept themselves entertained by climbing all over the giant rat- like creature, pulling at their ears and hair as they clambered on top of their back. But surprisingly, the bigger creature did not put up a fight, allowing them to lark around on their back, but with an obvious look of dismay. Like children wanting to join in the fun, the rest of the monkeys followed suit of the group leader and hopped onboard, taking advantage of the free ride. The cheeky monkey antics were captured by photographer Sandra Astra at Hilvarenbeek Safari Park in the Neverlands. Sandra said: 'I’d been watching the monkeys larking around on the grass when one monkey started to clamber all over a Capybara’s back. ‘A few minutes later four of them were on top, but the Capybara didn’t seem bothered by them and just carried on strolling around the grass. I’m surprised it didn’t try to shake them off. 'Both creatures live in the same enclosure and appeared to tolerate each other perfectly. It was like watching a child climb all over their parents. It was really funny to see the expressions on the Capybaras faces.'  Miss Astra explained that primates are generally scared of water so if the capybaras want to escape the monkeys, they can go to an area of the enclosure that is separated by a little stream of water where the monkeys do not dare to cross. She added: ' The capybaras don't mind the little monkey-rascals climbing all over them and riding on their backs. ‘I think they love each other's company, despite the capybara’s stern expression. They often lie down in the grass and let the monkeys' little hands go all over them without any complaint. It’s great to watch.’ ends

Other great stories
PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES UNIQUE PATTERNS OF THE HUMAN EYE

A Romanian photographer has captured the unique patterns of hundreds of human eyes in a series of striking macro shots .

BATHING BEAR CUB

A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .

THE JUMP

High up in the mountains and thousands of feet off the ground, a party of climbers were in for a shock as they came face to face with this frightening leap of faith .

FRIENDLY TOAD READY FOR HIS CLOSE UP

STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .

LIVING ON WATER: REFUGEES BUILD A LIFE AT SEA

SAILING over crystal clear waters, the Bajau people of Malaysia live their lives almost entirely at SEA .

CHEEKY BABY GORILLA

THIS cheeky gorilla tries his best to wriggle free from his mum .

MONKEY BUSINESS

GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .

ADORABLE DOLPHINS VISIT AUSTRALIAN BEACH FOR BREAKFAST

SWIMMING slowly towards the shore, a small group of bottlenose dolphins arrive for breakfast at a beach in Western Australia .

STUNNING CONTRAST OF ENGLISH SETTINGS

CONTRASTING settings reveal some of England’s most beautiful landscapes in all their glory .

BRAZEN COPS PARK IN RESTRICTED BAY

Pic By HotSpot Media - GAME, SET-TEE AND MATCH: COUPLE INSTALL TENNIS COURT IN LOUNGE- In Pic - Ben Walters’ message to West Midlands Police via social media .

VETERAN BEATEN IN REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND ATTACK

A PENSIONER was left with a fractured jaw after being beaten and robbed outside his home in Birmingham last weekend .

'GRENADE' DIET PILLS PUT AIRPORTS ON ALERT

AIRPORT staff have been put on alert after diet pills that come in grenade shaped containers sparked security alerts .