Mumbai, April 2: A poignant video capturing a monkey's grief at the funeral of an 85-year-old woman has gained widespread attention across social media, highlighting a years-long bond between the wild animal and its human caretaker. The woman, identified as Parvatamma, passed away on Monday, March 30, due to age-related illnesses.

During her final rites, one of the monkeys she had spent years feeding appeared to openly mourn, hugging her body and refusing to leave her side. Punch the Monkey Viral Video: Abandoned Baby Macaque’s Favourite Djungelskog Orangutan Plushie Toy Goes out of Stock Globally.

Monkey Mourns the Death of Woman Who Fed Them in Karnataka

Parvatamma's Ritual of Kindness

The relationship began years ago in the village of Rayara Doddi in Karnataka. While many residents in the area viewed the local monkey population as a nuisance, Parvatamma reportedly treated them as companions. She established a daily ritual of offering food and water to the primates that frequented her home. Over time, her consistent kindness fostered a unique level of trust, specifically with one monkey that became a frequent visitor.

Monkey's Grief During Final Rites

As family and neighbours gathered at Parvatamma's residence to pay their final respects, the monkey approached the assembly. According to witnesses, the animal did not exhibit its usual behaviour of searching for food. Instead, it moved calmly through the crowd and sat by the body. The viral footage shows the primate pressing its head against Parvatamma's and closing its eyes in a gesture of apparent sorrow. Family members noted that the monkey remained in a physical embrace with the deceased for a significant period, seemingly aware of the loss.

Netizens React to Viral Video of Monkey Mourning Woman’s Death

The documentation of the event has sparked an emotional response online, with many users reflecting on the depth of animal intelligence and emotional capacity. Commenters noted that the animal's reaction serves as a testament to the lasting impact of human compassion. "Kindness is a seed that blossoms into a bond even death cannot break," one user wrote, while others described the display as the "purest form of gratitude". Pune: Monkey Enters Paan Shop, Eats at Counter in Maharashtra; Video Goes Viral.

Historical Precedents of Animal Loyalty

This incident has drawn comparisons to other documented cases of animal loyalty in India. In 2023, a dog in Kannur, Kerala, gained national fame as "Kerala's Hachiko" after waiting outside a hospital mortuary for four months following its owner’s death. Hospital staff at the time observed that the dog had watched its owner being taken into the building and remained at the entrance in anticipation of their return. Experts suggest such behaviours underscore the sophisticated social bonds that can form between humans and different species when sustained by regular positive interaction.

TruLY Score by LatestLY
Rating:3

TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (NDTV), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 12:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).