Imagine a mountain sanctuary where an unexpected trio forms an unbreakable bond: an elderly Buddhist nun, a monk, and a one-armed monkey named Xing Xing. 🐒✨
Deep in the serene Daliang Mountain of Ninghai County, Ningbo City, in east China's Zhejiang Province, lives Xing Xing, whose name means \"star\" in Chinese. She's no ordinary Tibetan macaque; missing an arm, she stands out as a symbol of resilience and friendship.
Xing Xing's journey hasn't been easy. Originally part of a circus, she was bought by a villager who released her into the wild. However, life in the mountains was harsh. After losing her arm to a wild boar trap, fate led her to the Yanghu Temple, where a kind-hearted monk offered her refuge and called a local zoo to help remove a collar from her neck.
For over 15 years, Xing Xing has found a home among the temple's two elderly caregivers. Every morning, she appears at the nun's door for breakfast, and by nightfall, she retreats back into the mountain. Living alongside humans has given Xing Xing some uniquely human-like behaviors. She deftly shells peanuts and sunflower seeds and often sits contemplatively with the nun and monk, gazing over the distant peaks from her favorite stone basin.
But don't be fooled by her gentle demeanor—Xing Xing is still a wild spirit at heart. She can be defensive if startled, which sometimes surprises visitors. Thankfully, the nun and monk are always there to ensure both Xing Xing and tourists keep a respectful distance, allowing everyone to coexist peacefully in this mountain haven.
This heartwarming story reminds us that friendships can cross all boundaries—even between species. It's a tale of compassion, trust, and the simple joys of sharing moments with those who are different from us. 🌟
Reference(s):
Bonds beyond species: A nun, a monk and a monkey share a temple
cgtn.com
