Monkey Walking on Two Legs

Natasha, a 5-year-old black macaque at the Israeli Safari Park near Tel Aviv, began walking exclusively on her hind legs after a stomach ailment nearly killed her, zookeepers said.

Monkeys usually alternate between upright movement and walking on all fours. A picture in the Maariv daily on Wednesday showed Natasha standing straight like a human. The picture was labeled humorously, ``The Missing Link?''

Two weeks ago, Natasha and three other monkeys were diagnosed with severe stomach flu. At the zoo clinic she slipped into critical condition.

``I was sure that she was going to die,'' Igal Horowitz, the veterinarian, said. ``She could hardly breathe and her heart was not functioning properly.''

After intensive treatment, Natasha's condition stabilized. When she was released from the clinic, Natasha began walking upright.

``I've never seen or heard of this before,'' said Horowitz. “One possible explanation is brain damage from the illness. Otherwise, Natasha's behavior has returned to normal.”

Comment by M.Trachtengerts:

In spite of why the macaque began to walk upright this case is interesting for hominologists. One can see on the figure some specific features that numerous observers narrate what they saw at encounterings. These are cone back heads, eyebones like cap peak, somewhat long arms and short legs. A field researcher can use this image, as well as other pictures, for comparing scale to what was seen.