Spring arrived in a burst of rainfall. Within days, the Sanctuary became green and lush and covered in wild flowers. This was a welcome respite after many months of extremely dry and barren conditions. The monkeys were certainly happy as the green foliage provided opportunities for foraging and exploration.
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New arrivals, socializations, and the refurbishment of enclosures have all taken place in recent months. A number of monkeys, including baboons and macaques, arrived at the Sanctuary and many of them have already been integrated with established social groups. In addition, Sanctuary staff has worked hard to refurbish and upgrade our existing semi-natural enclosures. New shelters and additional “skyways” and platforms offer increasing opportunities for use of vertical space by the inhabitants. Monkeys like height and, given the chance, will climb as high as they can.
The ex-laboratory bonnet macaques who arrived at the Sanctuary last summer have now settled in. The youngsters spend their days chasing and playing with each other while everyone enjoys foraging in the vegetation and earth. They have recently been joined by a young female bonnet monkey, probably an abandoned “pet,” who was found wandering the streets of a Florida beach resort. We have named her Jessica. She was immediately welcomed by the other bonnets. Jessica is clearly delighted by having so many others of her kind to socialize with and can regularly be seen hugging and grooming them. It is very rewarding to know the positive difference we have been able to make to this young monkey’s life.