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
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 .

FIGHTING FOX IS BEATEN BY EAGLES

A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .

CHUCKLING SEAL

CHUCKLING away, this little seal appears to find something hilarious .

KUNG-FU LEOPARD CUBS

Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .

LITTLE OWL WINKS FOR THE CAMERA

A Little owl looks down the lens of a camera and gives the photographer a cheeky wink .

BOXING DAY SQUIRRELS

BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .

GIANT CANYON SWING

FORGET Thorpe Park this summer as this is a 50 mile-per-hour ride over the Colorado River CANYON .

PLAYFUL OWL PLAYS HIDE AND SEEK

A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .

LAZY FROG

KICKING back and relaxing with his arms outstretched, this chilled-out frog appears to be loving life as he takes some time out on a water lily leaf .

STABBED BY SON

Daniel Blore, 21, of Innage Crescent, Bridgnorth, stabbed his mother three times in the attack on January 11 this year, Stafford Crown Court heard .

HUNGRY HERON STRUGGLES TO HOLD ONTO ITS CATCH

A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .

MAN AND TOY PIG SEARCH WORLD FOR MISSING CUDDLY COMPANION

An Australian explorer has travelled the globe with a toy pig, known as Travel Piggy, in search of a missing cuddly companion .