


The forest near Angkor Wat is usually filled with the playful chatter of monkeys echoing through the ancient ruins. But that day, the air was still, as if the jungle itself had fallen silent in fear. I remember standing there, my heart pounding, watching baby monkey Mary struggling for each breath.
She wasnât even a year old, yet the exhaustion written across her tiny face looked like that of a warrior who had fought too long. Her ribs heaved with every shallow inhale. Her lips, usually full of curiosity and joy, now quivered in weakness. I had never felt so helpless in my life.
Mary had been part of a small troop that had been wandering further into the park to find food. The heat had been brutal for days, and water was hard to come by. Her mother, Mali, had been foraging nonstop, but even she looked worn down. Mary tried to keep upâjumping from stone to stone, weaving through the tree rootsâbut it was clear she was too weak.
Then she just collapsed.
It wasnât dramatic. There was no scream. No warning. One moment she was there, chasing a falling leaf, and the next she was on the ground, gasping. Her tiny hands trembled. Her eyes blinked slowly. She tried to sit up, then gave up and just lay there, breathing like each breath might be her last.
I called out instinctively, even though I knew she wouldnât understand me: âOh God, help her⌠someone help herâŚâ
The other monkeys noticed, but there was a strange stillness. Even they seemed unsure what to do. And then her mother came running.
Mali rushed to Maryâs side, frantically sniffing, nudging her gently. She lifted Maryâs limp arm, as if trying to encourage her to get up. But Mary couldnât. Her breath hitched. Her eyes rolled. My chest ached as I watched her mother wrap her arms around Mary and rock her slowly, almost as if whispering, âStay with me, baby⌠stayâŚâ
We were just tourists. Observers. But in that moment, I wanted to cross the lineâto help, to do something. Anything.
One of the rangers approached quietly, scanning the scene. Heâd seen this before. He pulled out a small water bottle and slowly approached Mali and Mary, crouching low and making soft, calming sounds. Surprisingly, Mali didnât run. Perhaps she knew we were trying to help. He dribbled a few drops of water onto a leaf and gently moved it toward Maryâs mouth.
She stirred. Just barely.
The water gave her a second windâjust enough for a weak sip. Then another. Her breathing steadied, though still shallow. Her fingers gripped her motherâs fur once again, and her tiny chest moved with slightly more rhythm. It wasnât much, but it was something.
The ranger whispered, âSheâs strong. Maybe sheâll make it.â
That night, I couldnât sleep. The image of Maryâso small and helpless, lying on the ancient ground of Angkorâhaunted me. But it also reminded me how raw and real the struggle for life is out here. These monkeys arenât just cute animals on a tourist trail. Theyâre families. Mothers. Daughters. Fighters.
And Maryâsweet, exhausted Maryâwas one of the toughest Iâd ever seen.
The next morning, I returned, afraid of what I might find. But to my amazement, I saw herâstill weak, still clinging to her mother, but sitting upright. Eyes open. Breathing.
A miracle in motion.
And just like that, the forest felt alive again.