Monkey Makes a Sweet Break‑In at West Coast Park
Picture this: it was a sunny Saturday, the grass was perfect for a family picnic, and then— out of nowhere— a cheeky monkey swoops in, snatches a Tupperware full of grapes, and vanishes up a nearby tree. The scene, captured on a phone by Stomp contributor Lim, left little ones stunned and a few tears in a snap.
The Unplanned Guest
Lim’s shaky handheld video shows the monkey first approaching a pair of women and two toddlers. The little primate then grabs the Tupperware, flips open the lid, and absconds with a handful of grapes, all while the kids’ screams echo across the park.
“It made one of the children cry,” Lim reflects. “The monkey opened the container, grabbed a few grapes, and the whole thing tumbled down.” Despite the oddity, he noted the moment was both funny and a touch scary.
When a Monkey Shows Up
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, the National Parks Board (NParks) advises the following safety steps:
- Stop what you’re doing instantly.
- Stay calm. Quietly avoid eye contact, and don’t make sudden moves.
- Slowly look away and back off—but keep facing the monkeys.
- Hide or drop any tempting objects.
- Never try to hit them.
- If you’re with a child, lift them onto your shoulders; the bigger you appear, the less likely they’ll approach.
- Stay out of the area until the monkeys have left.
Even though it’s a rare event, West Coast Park visitors should keep these tips handy—especially if you’re planning a sundry-filled picnic.
