Cheeky monkeys whose antics are a worldwide sensation PLANET OF THE JAPES
ED GLEAVE HERE’S proof monkeying around can make you a global star.
These primates have become internet sensations thanks to their antics.
People seemingly can’t get enough of seeing them do everything from making phone calls to having lunch.
One was even caught on camera being extra cheeky and pulling down a man’s shorts at the beach.
But it was a selfie of a Celebes crested macaque that caused the biggest reaction.
Wildlife photographer David Slater was seeking memorable snaps when he went into the rainforest in Sulawesi, Indonesia – and got more than he bargained for.
After coming face to face with some macaques, David hatched a plan to get his photo.
He said: “It’s a rather small monkey and as I found out, they’re rather friendly too.”
The macaque also kept trying to steal his equipment. So David left the camera out with a remote control button on a lead so the animals could photograph themselves. After three days he got his shot. David said: “Sure enough the monkey looked into the camera and the picture was taken.
“And it was making different faces like we do when we’re shaving or putting make-up on.”
The selfie went viral and has been a hit across the globe.
But the shocks didn’t end there because soon after David shared the photo, animal rights group PETA threatened legal action.
Their representatives claimed the monkey, six-year-old Naruto, owned the copyright of the image.
The case went to court in San Francisco and a judge ruled in David’s favour, but it is now due to go to the supreme court.
David features on Monkeys Make You Laugh Out Loud on Channel 5. As our pictures prove, there are lots of other cheeky monkeys in the show which is on tonight at 8pm.