Time has flown by, and before we knew it, three months had passed since our last newsletter — one month longer than promised! But that just means there’s even more to share with you this time: new faces, exciting releases, heartwarming recoveries, and a few sad farewells.
Animals
It was time again for our yearly turtle and tortoise hunt! Don’t worry – it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. Once a year, the team searches for every turtle and tortoise in the Reptile Enclosure so they can receive their annual health checks. This time, we even found the caiman that has chosen to live peacefully among them. Each animal was weighed, measured, and de-parasitised before being returned to their freshly scrubbed pond. While volunteers ferried animals to and from the clinic, Geyler and Elias gave the big pond a thorough clean, leaving it sparkling for its grateful residents.
Six of the yellow-footed tortoises were released near the new monkey table behind the Loki enclosure. On our walks, we now often spot them – along with tortoises from earlier releases – contentedly grazing on lush greenery. Seeing them roam freely is always rewarding.
Night monkey Camilo has fully embraced jungle life! Arriving as a tiny infant earlier this year, he grew strong on fresh fruit and vegetables. Once we opened the hatch for him to explore at night, he slipped quietly into the forest and never looked back. For a while, we kept leaving food for him, but he hasn’t returned –we like to think of him swinging through the canopy, living the life he was meant for.
We’ve also celebrated several bird releases. A group of orange-winged parrots and white-eyed parakeets – many of whom arrived in April – completed their rehabilitation and were transferred to the release enclosure at Don Jorge’s plantation. After a few weeks, a small hatch was opened, allowing them to come and go freely. Some lingered, others left straight away, but before long, all had joined the wild flocks in the surrounding forest. We like to imagine them calling loudly from the canopy, fully home again.
Young woolly monkey Nola has been longing to join the older monkeys outside the Lulu enclosure. Once she finally reached her target weight, she was ready. At first, she ventured out for only an hour a day, but soon she was spending full days exploring and playing. Each evening she returns to her hammock, tired and happy after another day of adventure.
Meanwhile, young female capybara Charra moved to a larger enclosure beside fellow capybara Basco. The two have already been seen touching noses through the fence, communicating in their soft squeaks. If all continues well, they’ll soon share an enclosure – a promising new friendship in the making.
Sadly, this period also brought moments of loss.
Woolly monkey Naka, who arrived in 2017 as a tiny baby, passed away. After last year’s miscarriage, she had ongoing health problems, and when she again began acting unwell, we took immediate action. Despite weeks of care, tests and an ultrasound, her body could not recover. She was one of the friendliest, most beloved monkeys at Esperanza Verde, and she will be deeply missed.
There’s also been a change within the woolly group. Martin, one of our dominant males, injured his finger. Though treatment went well, he suddenly stopped appearing. We think his injury may have affected his position in the hierarchy, making him wary. Tension now runs high among the males, with Panchin and Yauri both vying for leadership. We still hope Martin might return – the jungle always keeps its mysteries.
And with heavy hearts, we share that our white-throated toucan Tocay, is gone. After months of steady progress, he began staying out at night – a huge milestone – but one night, he was attacked by an opossum and did not survive. Tocay’s bright calls once echoed through the canopy; his absence is felt by us all.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital
In the Pepito enclosure, agouti Kampari is usually first at the door when food arrives. So when she failed to appear one morning, we immediately went looking. We found her injured and rushed her to the clinic. After weeks of patient treatment, she finally recovered and moved to the Xena enclosure with young capybara Charra, right next to fellow agoutis Doquino and Jope. She seems delighted to feel soil under her paws again.
Juvenile howler monkey Silva arrived through the Ministry of Flora and Fauna. During quarantine, she struggled with diarrhoea and adapting to her new diet, but with careful attention, she improved enough to join young howlers Ysaia and Waldo in Arana enclosure. For a while, she even enjoyed short periods outside, but sadly, the diarrhoea returned and her strength faded. Despite every effort, her small body gave out. She was with us briefly, yet she captured every heart.
Quarantine
White-throated toucan Shakana moved to an outdoor enclosure. Because her wings had been clipped by former owners, she still can’t fly, but with time and care her feathers will regrow. We’re hopeful she’ll one day soar freely like Tocay once did.
Tiny squirrel monkey Nara, only a few months old, joined us recently. From day one, she showed her spirit – snatching insects from the ceiling for snacks! She soon teamed up with fellow youngster Anora in Lucia enclosure, and before long, they were venturing out with older monkeys Mina, Syenna and Milo to explore the forest. Watching her curiosity blossom is pure joy.
A new male woolly monkey, Kono, also arrived after years as a household pet. Handsome and strong-willed, he’s learning the ways of real monkey life – climbing, foraging and interacting – at his own pace. We hope he’ll one day live freely among the others.
Four large-headed capuchins – males Laro and Dairino, females Aclina and Tirza – were confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. After quarantine, Aclina, Tirza and Laro joined our younger capuchins Kalu, Shana, Pacco and Kenzo in Anishka enclosure, where they were welcomed immediately. Dairino, being older and more human-imprinted, moved to the adult capuchin group in Loki enclosure, where he’s adjusting well.
Lastly, fourteen yellow-spotted river turtles completed quarantine, received health checks and de-worming, and were released back into the river – always a rewarding moment for the whole team!
Construction & Other
The bodega received a well-deserved upgrade: a brand-new floor! Years of fruit prep and jungle humidity had worn down the old cement, so Douwe and his team worked tirelessly (and even overnight) to pour and finish a fresh surface. Thanks to their dedication, feeding operations could continue without interruption — a true team effort.
Volunteers & Others updates
We’re thrilled to welcome familiar faces back to the jungle! Kayla returned after several months in Europe and jumped straight into action — managing the bodega, guiding tours, and mentoring new volunteers. Great to have you back, Kayla!
Another dear friend, one of Esperanza Verde’s earliest volunteers and long-time supporter, Theres, returned once more to lend her helping hands wherever needed. Joining her was Catelijne, one of Olivia’s closest friends, whose energy and skills made the animal food prep a breeze. Thank you both for your great help and company! A heartfelt thank-you to both for your wonderful help and company.
And finally, some joyful family news — Estefany and Craig welcomed their baby daughter, RosaFlor! We couldn’t be happier for them and wish this new family all the love and laughter in the world.
Join the Team – We Need You!
As always, Esperanza Verde thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re travelling through Peru or dreaming of life in the Amazon, your energy and compassion make a real difference.
Get in touch: info@esperanzaverdeperu.com — and be part of something wild and wonderful.
¡Hasta Proxima!