2 years and 6 days ago Melikki died in my arms at 1:30 AM. Our hearts were crushed and it took a long time to grieve her loss. It's amazing what a powerful experience it was to care for that tiny baby monkey for 9 months. She was under a month old when we were entrusted with her care from Pedro Menendez of the Conservation Foundation of Panama Primates Organization. We were honored with their trust and committed to caring for her with the common goal of releasing her to the jungle.
Feeding her every 4 hours - first with a syringe, then a baby bottle, keeping her safe from predators, and slowly introducing her to the troop of howler monkeys we are so fortunate to live amongst, was truly one of the most magical experiences of our lives. Even though thinking about her still brings a flow of tears to our eyes, and pain in our hearts, we are forever grateful for having known and loved her.
For anyone who cares and has cared for animals, the emotions are fierce. It's an intense roller coaster of highs and lows and even when things don't end well, and you lose an animal, there are times when your efforts do work, and the animal lives. Like yesterday....
We received a call from one of our employees whose neighbor had found this tiny baby monkey on the ground, covered in mud, hiding in the deep grasses near the road. The mother was nowhere in sight so they picked her up, took her home, and called us to come get her.
Why us you ask? Not only because of Melikki, but the primate road crossing bridge program we are involved in is bringing more awareness to our conservation efforts of this critically endangered species. This little male monkey appears to be about 3 weeks old. Still has his grey colored infant fur, eyes barely opened, was very cold, scared, and no doubt in need of hydration and food.
Because of our past experiences with great people like Pedro, our veterinarian friend in Peru - Coti, and another at the municipal park in Panama City - Diorene, we have some basic supplies to help an animal in emergency situations like this.
First, comfort and warmth. Where better to seek love, comfort, and security than the bosom of a loving woman (that's me!). Then, infant animal formula and pedialyte every 4 hours. This little guy made it through the night - his most vulnerable time as a baby being away from his mother. He was crying, and scared, but he made it.
After his morning feeding, I had him in a sling against my chest to keep him warm and calm when I noticed the troop of monkeys outside my window, really close to the building so I knew this was an opportunity to introduce him to what I hoped to be his future family.
I hurried outside barely clothed in my morning robe with him close to the monkeys while also very careful to ensure he was safe just in case. His cries were immediately heard by the rest of the troop (14 strong), and the jungle erupted in a concert of deafening howls and cries. Every monkey came closer to the ground where we were standing with pure curiosity and concern on their faces for the baby in my hand. That's how small he is - he fit in the palm of my hand.
In that very moment, Soldier came down closer for an inspection immediately followed by a pregnant female we have been watching for weeks. She watched us for a moment with such care and intensity in her eyes as I raised this little baby closer to her explaining that one day, he will be a part of her family.
She then scurried back up the tree while we stood there, everyone taking in this intense experience. I could see that there was no threat to this little guy, but knew it was a great moment to help this fragile little animal feel he was in a safe place close to other monkeys whom he would join one day. But then something really magical happened.
I noticed the pregnant momma watching very closely unsure of what to do so I held up the baby again and asked her if she would like to adopt him. She was so focused on the baby, as was the entire troop around us watching with such worry and confusion as to why I had this tiny crying monkey in my hand.
Looking back and forth at each other, howling, and crying, it was so loud being in the middle of all these monkeys as they were trying to figure out what was happening. I was overwhelmed from the intensity of this moment and so in awe of the experience. I could see that female wanted to come closer so I slowly approached her, closer to a tree where I could release the little baby to her. It felt absolutely perfect.
Maintaining eye contact with me, and looking at the baby too, she knew what I was doing and came down to meet me. As I raised the baby towards her onto the tree, she gently but intently, reached for the baby from my hand and he went to her right away. Trembling, with tears flowing down my face in this intense and unbelievable moment, my smile and eyes couldn't open any wider. I finally took a breath as momma and baby made their way back up into the trees to bond.
The whole troop surrounded the new baby as momma carefully nuzzled her for the obligatory genital sniffing, mewing, urinating, and overall joyful moment of adoption. I was beside myself as I witnessed the most magical moment of my life unfold. That little baby instinctively grabbed onto his new momma as they all moved on to get food, care for this new baby, and welcome a new set of genetics to a desperately threatened species trying to avoid extinction.
So you see, it's moments like these that give us hope and inspire us to keep trying against all odds to do what we can to help. It's especially profound with a critically endangered species like a monkey that is so closely related to us.
Please, come stay with us and experience these beautiful animals in their natural habitat here. Your life will never be the same afterwards.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
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