What Happened to the Abandoned Stumptail Balina When It Fell Into the Water?
Deep in a forgotten corner of a wildlife reserve, an abandoned stumptail macaque—nicknamed Balina—wandered alone. Stumptail macaques, scientifically known as Macaca arctoides, are sturdy, ground-dwelling monkeys native to Southeast Asia. Known for their short tails and expressive faces, they are intelligent and highly social animals. But Balina had no troop. She had been left behind after illegal wildlife traders were intercepted near the border of Thailand, and in the chaos, she escaped into unfamiliar terrain.
For days, Balina survived by scavenging fruits and insects. She was cautious but inexperienced in the wild without her group. One humid afternoon, while searching for water along a muddy riverbank, she leaned too far over the edge. The soil beneath her gave way.
With a sudden splash, Balina plunged into the fast-moving river.
At first, panic took over. Though macaques can swim, they are not natural water dwellers. The current pulled her downstream, spinning her small body through swirling eddies. She struggled to keep her head above water, her instincts battling fear. Branches and debris rushed past as she fought to reach the surface.
Fortunately, stumptail macaques are strong and resilient. Balina managed to paddle toward a partially submerged log drifting near the river’s edge. Clinging tightly, she rested, shivering but alive. The river carried her several hundred meters before the log snagged against thick vegetation near the bank.
Summoning the last of her strength, Balina climbed onto solid ground. Exhausted and soaked, she hid beneath dense shrubs until her breathing slowed. The fall had not broken her spirit—only tested it.
In the days that followed, something changed. Balina became more cautious near water. She learned to recognize unstable soil and swift currents. Her near-disaster sharpened her survival instincts.
Eventually, wildlife rescue teams tracking escaped animals located her and brought her to a rehabilitation center. There, Balina slowly regained her health and, most importantly, found companionship among other rescued macaques.
What happened when the abandoned stumptail Balina fell into the water was not the end of her story—it was the moment she proved just how strong survival can be.