When Riaan Nysschens moved into his new home in South Africa this summer, he thought he’d be living alone. But it didn’t take long for him to realize the place already had residents.
Tucked high in the rafters, with access to the roof, was a family of bush babies — tiny nocturnal primates with big eyes and even bigger personalities.
“There are four adults. I see them every evening leaving the house to go forage,” Nysschens told The Dodo. “Recently, I started hearing the squeaking of the little babies.”
Up until then, Nysschens had only admired his unusual housemates from a distance. But earlier this month, that changed in the most unexpected way.
“I was working on my computer when I suddenly heard a flop on the couch and some squeaking,” Nysschens recalled. “I went to check and found a little baby lying on the floor.”
One of the newborn bush babies had tumbled from the nest near the ceiling — and by pure luck, had landed safely on the couch cushions.
Above him, Nysschens could hear the baby’s frantic mother scurrying in circles.
After gently checking that the tiny primate was unharmed, he hesitated, unsure of what to do next.
“The baby wasn’t fazed at all,” he said. “Seeing it up close was a first for me. It looked like a miniature person — the most precious little thing. But I didn’t want the mother to reject it if I handled things wrong.”
Still, he knew he had to try.
With the mother keeping a close eye from above, Nysschens carefully placed the baby on the kitchen counter where she could see.
And just like that, mom swooped in.
The little one was back where she belonged, and her worried mother was finally at ease.
“They are really precious,” Nysschens said.
For him, the moment was unforgettable — a reminder of the quiet bond he shares with the wild family living above his head.
“They were here first,” he said. “We’re in their space, so they deserve all the respect. I love watching them from below and lending a hand when needed. I feel truly blessed to share my home with them.”
