A visit to a scenic park turned into a traumatic experience for a 7-year-old boy in China’s Guizhou province after he was attacked by a troop of monkeys. The child, who was reportedly taunting the animals with repeated middle finger gestures, was left with multiple injuries following the incident.
The unusual encounter occurred on 30 June 2025 at Qianlingshan Park in Guiyang. According to Chinese media reports, the boy had been visiting the park with his grandmother when he began making offensive hand signs — including the middle finger — at the monkeys, seemingly for amusement. His actions allegedly provoked one of the younger monkeys, which let out a cry that drew the attention of others in the group.
Witnesses said the monkey’s call triggered a coordinated response from the rest of the troop, who leapt down from nearby trees and surrounded the boy, leaving him with scratches on his neck and chest. Fortunately, his face was unscathed, and his injuries were not life-threatening.
Child Taken to Hospital, Receives Rabies Vaccination
Following the incident, the boy was rushed to a local hospital where he received treatment and a precautionary rabies vaccination. Another young girl nearby was reportedly kicked by one of the monkeys during the chaos, although she was not injured. However, she was said to be visibly shaken by the unexpected attack.
Park authorities have since responded promptly to the family’s complaint. They provided medical documentation and committed to covering the costs of the rabies vaccination. The boy’s family accepted the support and confirmed that the child now understands that his actions were inappropriate.
According to the family, the boy admitted he might have been copying behaviour he had seen online or from others, and had only meant it as a joke without realising the consequences.
Netizens Divided: Animal Behaviour or Human Responsibility?
The bizarre incident quickly went viral on Chinese social media, sparking a wave of reactions. Many netizens called for better education for children on how to behave around wildlife. They highlighted the importance of respecting animals and avoiding gestures or actions that might be perceived as threatening.
Some commenters took a humorous tone, suggesting that the monkeys had delivered a lesson in “jungle justice”, while others dubbed the attackers “social monkeys” who wouldn’t tolerate disrespect.
Nevertheless, the incident underscores the ongoing challenge faced by public parks and urban wildlife areas: balancing the presence of wild animals with the safety and behaviour of human visitors. Parents are urged to closely supervise their children and educate them on responsible conduct when interacting with nature.