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
FIGHT CUB

JUMPING and bouncing off one another, these young cheetahs enjoy some harmless fun .

HUNGRY HIPPO MISSES OUT ON LUNCH

A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .

ABANDONED TAVERN AND FARM SHOP

STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .

UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP

MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .

AMAZING AURORA BOREALIS

A GLOWING range of greens and blues sweep across the sky in a spectacular display of light .

PELT-MOBILE SPOTTED

A TAXIDERMY truck spotted in America’s Deep South could be the most gruesome wagon on the road .

HUNGRY GORILLA ENJOYS DINNER

SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .

SHARK SELFIES

NOT YOUR everyday selfie, this plucky diver poses with some of the scariest predators in the ocean .

IN FLIGHT MEAL

This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .

ASTOUNDING ASTRONOMICAL IMAGES TAKEN IN GARDEN

AN ARRAY of colours, from pinks to blues and oranges, fill the night sky to create an amazing collection of interstellar patterns .

HYENA HAS THE LAST LAUGH

This brave Hyena finally catches his pray among the thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru, Kenya - OUTNUMBERED among thousands of flamingos, this bold hyena is not put off from hunting for a morning snack .

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 .