A Hidden Cage and a Silent Suffering
When we received the call, we didn’t yet grasp the gravity of the situation. Five monkeys had spent years trapped in the backyard of a private home, out of sight but not out of danger. Confined to a concrete-floored cage, they were denied everything their species needs to survive: space, sunlight, stimulation, companionship, and proper care.
Their only food consisted of leftover chicken bones and oranges. Alone, forgotten, and severely inbred due to uncontrolled breeding, they were slowly wasting away. When we first saw them, their bodies told a devastating story: damaged teeth, brittle bones, deteriorating organs, and eyes filled with fear. They had been surviving… but they had not been living.
The Price of Neglect and the Consequences of Inbreeding
The more we examined them, the more heartbreaking the reality became. Years of inadequate nutrition and complete lack of veterinary care had left deep physical and emotional scars. On top of that, inbreeding had caused debilitating disorders: deformities, fragile immune systems, and abnormal behaviors. Despite our immediate intervention, two of the monkeys were simply too weak to survive. One suffered from severe, untreatable heart disease, and the other from a critical eye infection that had progressed beyond repair. Losing them was a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of keeping wild animals in illegal or unsuitable captivity. Their story is not an isolated case, but it is a call to action.
Three Survivors, Three New Chances
The three surviving monkeys are now safe in our care, and for the first time in their lives, they are receiving a proper diet, specialized veterinary treatments, and an environment where they can explore, climb, and heal. Although they can never be released back into the wild, we are committed to giving them the life they always deserved: one filled with comfort, safety, enrichment, and dignity.
Their rescue required extensive medical procedures (castrations, dental extractions, eye surgery) and the costs have been significant. But every step forward is thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our veterinarians, and the compassion of our volunteers. These three survivors now carry a message: together, we can fight wildlife trafficking and give victims of captivity a second chance.
We cannot carry out this vital work without your precious help. Thank you for your support!