Macaque startles phone shop staff before embracing owner
CCTV captures the encounter in Odisha, India, though the animal’s reason for embracing the shopkeeper remains unclear.
A macaque startled staff when it entered a mobile phone shop in Bangriposi, in the Indian state of Odisha, then climbed onto the owner’s lap and wrapped its arms around him.
CCTV footage of the encounter on 22 October shows the owner appearing startled as the animal approaches, while an assistant hurries away. The owner stays seated, seemingly trying not to frighten the monkey.
Within seconds, the macaque climbs onto his lap as his companion moves to safety. Rather than causing mischief, it embraces him, leaving him momentarily motionless in apparent surprise.
Animal behaviour experts say monkeys may approach people through curiosity or familiarity, or in search of food and attention. Although this embrace appeared affectionate, the macaque’s precise motivation remains unclear: it could also have been exploring or seeking social contact.