Baby monkey is weaned by mother, why does the mother monkey treat her baby monkey so badly?
The little baby monkey clings tightly to his mother, crying softly, not understanding why her warm embrace has turned cold. For weeks, she had nursed him, held him, and groomed him gently. But now, the mother monkey pushes him away, no longer allowing him to feed. Every time he tries to latch onto her, she gives a sharp tug or a warning sound. His cries grow louder, echoing through the trees. To an outside observer, it looks cruel—heartbreaking even. Why does the mother seem so harsh?
In reality, this behavior is a natural and necessary step in the baby monkey’s development. Weaning is the process by which mothers gradually stop nursing their babies to encourage them to eat solid food and become more independent. For humans, this can be done gently. But in the wild, a mother monkey’s approach may seem aggressive or even cold, especially when the baby resists the change.
This moment is especially difficult for the baby monkey, who still associates milk with comfort and safety. His mother’s rejection feels confusing and painful. Yet, the mother isn’t being mean—she is following instinct. She knows her baby must grow stronger and learn to survive on his own. If she continued to give in to his cries, he might become dependent and vulnerable.
Though it breaks our hearts to see the baby suffer, this tough love is part of nature’s design. In a few days, the baby will start playing more, trying new foods, and discovering his own abilities. And slowly, his cries will quiet. The bond with his mother won’t disappear—it will evolve. What looks like mistreatment is actually a sign of her love: she’s preparing him for life.
