August 2020 Newsletter

It is difficult to show the level of gratitude we feel to everybody for their continued support, both mentally and financially during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.

The Susy Utzinger Foundation in Switzerland has been a long-time supporter of Esperanza Verde, and her on-going presence is recognised and appreciated every time an animal arrives or requires treatment. Yet, above her regular contributions, the foundation has donated a significant amount of money during this time of uncertainty.

Another gracious donator in this time came from German foundation ‘Stiftung Mensch und Tier’, and although every single donation is valued and makes a huge difference, we cannot let such a generous support go unmentioned, drawing attention to the amazing difference so many people can and choose to make.

Thank you Susy Utzinger. Thank you ‘Stiftung Mensch und Tier’. Thank you to every single contributor to Esperanza Verde, helping us through these times. YOU make all this possible.

Animals

Large male monkeys surrendered to Esperanza Verde having been in human contact for longer periods of time are often unable to be released to experience freedom as all creatures deserve. Giving them the best life available is one of our prime concerns.

Rimaq and Lucio (black spider monkeys) got new house mates this month. Apollo and Yanamayu (large headed capuchin) were moved from La Sapa to Rimaq. Initial concerns with Rimaq and Lucio not accepting the two capuchins were luckily unfounded and all monkeys involved appear to be adapting well to their new living arrangements, being seen feeding or sleeping together. Moving Apollo and Yanamayu has not only given them a nicer environment, it has also given Kamayo and Loki (Humboldt’s woolly monkey) more space in a newly refurbished La Sapa enclosure making for a more enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Very few things in life are more appealing than new babies, and a truly special way to start the day is checking in on the collared peccaries in Xena enclosure and finding a new baby running around. Timo and Roxanna are the proud parents of a new baby and right from the outset the little baby appears to be adapting well to daily life.

Ashanti (scarlet macaw) made the move into Pichu this month, joining the six other resident scarlet macaws and eighteen Amazon parrots. Ashanti has adapted well and mixed well with the other birds as well as still interacting with volunteers when they enter to clean and feed.

The extra space in Elmo front cage gave us the opportunity to introduce our long term and well-loved blue and yellow macaw Rafiki back into a larger space. Rafiki is being monitored to ensure he is settling in well with his enclosure mates Upendi and Inuka (yellow crowned parrots), and if he is at ease with the other macaws in Elmo main enclosure.

Having grown large enough, Pisco (young male agouti) made the big move from Momo enclosure to join the other agoutis within Pepito enclosure, and was settling in well, being seen feeding each day with the other animals. Unfortunately Pisco took advantage of an opening that had occurred between Pepito and Xena to explore greener pastures. His adventurous nature did not end well, with him falling prey to a territorial peccary.

SUST Animal Orphan Hospital

August was the month where the tough decision was made to not accept any more animals in the immediate future due to the current worldwide Covid-19 situation. Esperanza Verde relies on the continuing support and constant availability of volunteers to clean, feed and nurture the animals on a daily basis. Current volunteer numbers would not allow for new animals or to handle any emergency situations that can and do arise without a moment’s notice. At this moment we need to focus on the animals that we already have in our care.

Koru (Purple Gallinule) moved back to Pichu enclosure from the SUSTOAH this month after time recuperating in the clinic. Koru has gained weight while being back outside and although not using his damaged leg at all, is adapting well and looks just as comfortable on the feeding tables as standing on a log within the Pichu pond.

Naka and Talisha (Humboldt’s woolly monkeys) moved into Lulu enclosure for intensive care and treatment as both were looking lighter than expected. They both are dealing with the infestation of a, to us well known, hard to treat parasite (Prosthenorchis elegans). Deparasitation and a controlled diet for several weeks helped them gain back some of the lost weight. Watching Talisha playing while in Lulu is invigorating and heart-warming as we are seeing character and enthusiasm that wasn’t always apparent while she is outside. We are happy to say we could let them out again and they were happy to join their fellow monkeys outside again.

Yuria (female equatorial saki monkey) spent a few days within the SUSTOAH after her behaviour seemed out of sorts and was spending long amounts of time on the ground which was very out of character. Although eating well and spirits appearing to lift, Yuria passed away after just a few days. She had experienced a perforated bowel caused by a parasite (P. elegans).

Casha (tree porcupine) had been in Arana enclosure for the past few months being treating for abscesses and monitoring weight loss. Regrettably Casha was unresponsive one and the decision was made to help her on her way rather than continue possible suffering.

New arrivals

This month saw a new arrival from the village Curimana where Samuel, a young male squirrel had been kept as a pet for some time. After a quarantine period and ascertaining there were no underlying issues, Samuel was released. He returned for food for a few days and after a few days was no longer seen.

Construction and other

Both Machico and Geiler have had vacations while they were harvesting on their own plantations this month. Yet still the progress being made on the volunteer house toilet extension is incredible.

August saw the new space fully enclosed and a new entrance installed, as well as resurfacing the new brick walls. Although it is a typical looking construction zone, both Douwe and Geiler work relentlessly to ensure the many ( 🙂 ) volunteers still residing with get to live in the comfort they are accustomed to.

Volunteers

August saw one of our last volunteers returning to the ‘real’ world, where study and life beckons. We are grateful to Carmen for her extended stay and know she will excel at any task she turns her hand to on her return to Holland.

The family, Puck, Craig and Geiler remain onsite keeping EV running smoothly. Ensuring all animals get the best care and attention available. Kayla moved to the volunteer house, not only to accompany Puck in the now so lonely house, but also to gain some experience in living outside of the family house. Machico continues in the background doing important property maintenance and sustaining existing and new plantations.