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
THIRSTY SQUIRREL TAKES A BREAK

DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .

MONSTROUS WAVES DWARF DARE-DEVIL SURFERS

Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .

COUPLE RECREATE ICONIC SCENES FROM THE NOTEBOOK

A Canadian couple celebrated their engagement by recreating iconic moments from the film The Notebook .

BRITISH COUPLE FIRST TO TIE THE KNOT INSIDE A GLACIER

A BRITISH couple are the first to tie the knot inside an enormous GLACIER in Iceland .

WELSH HOTEL ONCE HOME TO WWI SOLDIERS NOW LIES ABANDONED

A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .

ADORABLE HARVEST MOUSE CLIMBS DANDELION

Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .

VISOR FASHION FAIL

FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .

ADORABLE SHELTER DOGS STRIKE A ‘PAWS’ TO FIND FOREVER HOMES

A group of shelter dogs showcase their loveable personalities in a series of passport-style photographs - in the hope of finding their forever homes .

OSPREY FISHING IN SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

An osprey soars through the air at 30 miles per hour before swooping down to catch its prey from a lake .

SUNBATHING MEERKAT MAKES THE MOST OF UK SUN

LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .

BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH AR' KID

HOTSPOT MEDIA - BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH AR' KID: A POSTAL SORTER has perfected the art of time travel by delivering images that are from the past .

CATERPILLAR KISS

PERCHING on the edge of a flower, these loved-up caterpillars can't resist each other as they enjoy a romantic moment together .