Last Updated Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:41:23 EDT

JERUSALEM - A five-year-old monkey at an Israeli zoo started walking exclusively on her hind legs after recovering from a serious illness.

Natasha, a 5-year-old black macaque walks at the Safari Park near Tel Aviv
(AP PHOTO)

Natasha, a black macaque, almost died of a severe stomach flu about two weeks ago, say officials at the Safari Park zoo near Tel Aviv. She had difficulty breathing and her heart wasn't functioning properly.

However, her condition stabilized and she was released from the zoo's clinic.

Workers at the zoo say that's when she started walking upright exclusively. Monkeys usually alternate between upright walking and moving on all fours.

A zoo veterinarian says he's not sure why she has altered her behaviour, speculating that the illness could have caused brain damage.

Other than walking upright, the vet says Natasha's behaviour has returned to normal.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2004/07/21/monkey_israel040721.html

Written by CBC News Online staff