Teddy, a young African vervet, arrived at our Primate Sanctuary in June 2015, full of life and abundant energy.

Teddy was bred in a zoo and taken from her mother and sister at four months of age to be sold as a “pet.” Fortunately, the caregivers charged with interviewing potential buyers quickly understood that a cage in someone’s home was no place for a primate to live and contacted the Primate Sanctuary for recommendations.

The caregivers decided to purchase Teddy outright from the zoo and then made the long drive to our Primate Sanctuary, where Teddy would have the opportunity to live a more normal life.

Staff at the Primate Sanctuary set up a special structure under the shade of a huge mesquite tree, where Teddy could safely observe other monkeys and start acclimating to life outdoors. She quickly adjusted to her new surroundings and staff started the process of gently and patiently introducing her to the other vervets.

Teddy immediately formed a relationship with Charles, a vervet retired from research, and began grooming him through the safety screen, her tiny fingers parting the course fur of the much larger male. After staff constructed a bigger introductory enclosure, Teddy and Charles moved in together and Teddy finally experienced the constant interaction she desperately needed for proper social development. Charles is very patient with Teddy and her exuberant behavior, and is an excellent role model for the youngster.

Teddy also formed a close friendship with playful, young Mikey, another African vervet. With old Charles providing protection and the constant playfulness of Mikey, Teddy has grown more confident and self-assured in her place in the world.