A massive monkey named Bantu watched over his troop. Bantu was the largest and strongest among them, with a heart just as mighty. One day, as he was foraging for food, he heard desperate cries coming from the riverbank.
Rushing toward the sound, Bantu saw two tiny monkey babies struggling in the water. A strong current had swept them away while they played near the edge. Their tiny limbs flailed as they fought to stay afloat, their eyes wide with fear.
Without hesitation, Bantu leaped into action. His powerful arms grabbed a hanging vine, and he swung over the water. With precise timing, he let go and splashed into the river, creating a wave that momentarily slowed the current.
The baby monkeys gasped as Bantu surfaced beside them. He gently scooped one up in each massive hand, holding them tightly against his chest. The current pulled at him, but Bantu was strong. He kicked powerfully, his muscles straining against the force of the river. Slowly, he made his way back to the shore.
With one final push, he reached solid ground and pulled himself and the babies onto the riverbank. The troop gathered around, chattering in relief. The mother of the babies rushed forward, nuzzling them with tears in her eyes.
Bantu shook off the water and grunted softly. He had done what any protector would—he had saved his family. The jungle rang with the sounds of gratitude as the troop embraced their hero.
From that day on, the baby monkeys never wandered too close to the river again, and Bantu remained their watchful guardian, always ready to protect those who needed him.