The early morning mist still clung to the trees of the Angkor Wat forest when it happened. A quiet hush spread through the troop of monkeys, as if nature itself had paused to listen. Nanda, the gentle and devoted mother monkey, finally welcomed her newborn baby into the world—tiny Naina. It was November 11, 2025… a day that felt like a blessing.
For several days before the birth, the troop noticed that Nanda was restless. She moved slower than usual, carefully choosing shaded places to rest. The other mothers stayed nearby as if they knew something important was coming. Even the dominant male, often aloof and distant, kept watch from a high rock. The forest seemed to agree—that life was about to change.
When Naina finally arrived, her small cries broke the silence like a prayer answered. Nanda held her close against her chest, gently wrapping her arms around the trembling infant. The other monkeys stayed quiet. Even the wind softened. It was as though the entire forest whispered, “Thanks to God… the baby is here.
Naina’s fur was soft and still slightly wet. She didn’t know how to open her eyes yet, but she held tightly onto her mother’s chest. And in that moment, Nanda transformed—from tired and struggling—to strong and fearless. Her heartbeat matched her baby’s tiny breaths, and an invisible bond formed… one that no danger could break.
Life in the wild is never easy. Every day is a fight for survival, and a newborn is always at risk. But that morning, the Angkor Wat forest felt safe. Sunlight found its way through the thick branches, landing gently on Nanda and her newborn. No words were spoken—but the moment felt sacred.
Naina tried to lift her head—a tiny attempt to face the world. She stumbled… then tried again. She didn’t succeed, but her effort brought tears to anyone who witnessed it. It reminded us of our own children—their first steps, their first breaths, their first cry. Life begins everywhere, not just in hospitals. Sometimes, it begins under trees… on ancient stones… in places where faith lives silently.
As time passed, the troop slowly returned to normal. But everything felt different. A new life had begun. Nanda began grooming her baby, slowly cleaning her fur with a mother’s care. She lifted Naina gently as if to show her to the sky—the same way humans sometimes lift their newborns with pride and gratitude. Maybe animals understand love better than we do.
That evening, when the sun painted the forest gold, Nanda looked tired… but peaceful. She had done something incredible. She fought for life, and life answered her. Watching them together, it felt impossible not to thank God for the small miracles we often overlook.
