Blog

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New arrivals

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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

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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.

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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.

The months truly fly by at Esperanza Verde and July was no exception. It was a month to reflect on how fortunate we are to be somewhat secluded from the world’s goings on and how lucky we are to have such a dedicated team working both on the frontline and behind the scenes in different roles around the world. We are very grateful for the team of Esperanza Verde International in Europe. The Crowdfunding campaign they set up will help us get through these times financially.
Although our thoughts are with those hugely affected by the worldwide outbreak, our minds remain focused on the task at hand, while enjoying the happy life of the animals at Esperanza Verde.

Animals

It is always exciting being involved in the release of rescued animals, and this month saw the re-assessment of the white-winged parakeets in Aguatena enclosure ready for relocation and possible release. Assessment involves checking the bird’s health, flight capabilities and feather condition, as well as a treatment for any lingering parasites. Of the fifty plus parakeets, 17 had recovered sufficiently to be released, whereas the remaining birds were transferred to Tupak enclosure awaiting their flight feathers to grow back before their release.

The newly vacated, purpose built Aguatena enclosure welcomed five spectacled caimans from the pond in Momo enclosure. The caimans now have more space and a more natural environment to reside in. Douwe and Marlon did a fantastic job of cleaning up the enclosure from the previous parakeet inhabitants and making it perfect for the caimans.

After a big fall and taking a dive into the pond of Pichu aviary, the decision was made to move long-term resident Daenarys (mealy Amazon parrot) into Igor enclosure where the height is more limited and she is less likely to be bullied, as was the case with the more able bodied birds in Pichu. Daenarys is unable to fly but is a welcome addition to Igor and relishes the extra attention on offer from volunteers in a smaller space. She already started making her funny noises again, as some of the early volunteers of Esperanza Verde might remember.

Kassai (baby southern tamandua) is moving up in the world. He is still requiring one on one attention from Olivia, and family, but has now been moved to a newly erected enclosure outside the family residence. Kassai is gaining weight as expected and although slow to embrace the termites in her diet, perseverance is key and she couldn’t be in better hands.

SUST Animal Orphan Hospital

Lumisha (Humbolts woolly monkey), moved from the SUST OAH into the comforts of Lucia enclosure, where she can interact through the enclosure with the other monkeys outside prior to release. After just one day, interests were high and Lumisha joined the monkeys outside enjoying the freedom to come and go. After such a short time it was apparent Lumisha had no trouble locating where food was to be acquired, and is predominantly in the company of the more experienced woolly monkeys such as Lupa and Maruja.

Much loved Koru (Purple Gallinule) moved from Pichu enclosure to the SUSTOAH this month after being found with a severed toe and damaged leg. While spending time recuperating in the clinic, Koru is being assessed to ensure his on-going comfort of living is not detrimentally affected by his injury. The cause of the wound is unknown but could be a result of an over eager capuchin monkey grabbing Koru through the mesh.

Pisco (young male agouti) has finished his time of quarantine separated from the other animals. He has moved to the more spacious and open Momo enclosure beneath the long-term residency cabana. Pisco is currently too small to join the other Agouti within Pepito enclosure, but as his size is rapidly gaining, it won’t be long before he can join the rest of the Agoutis and deer.

Anishka (Neotropical river otter), gained over ten percent of her body weight within a week, and is improving her vital motor skills every day. Supervised time with Olivia, Douwe and Marlon had begun by the end of the month, and although apprehensive, Anishka appears a quick study with any new skills required of her. Within a week she was capable of swimming under water, in the luxury learning environment of the bathtub at the family house. Only a week after, she went for her first experience with ‘wild’ water, at the small stream near the house. It is amazing to see how she shows that every day there is a new challenge she is capable to face and conquer

Our resident alpha Loki (Humbolts woolly monkey), managed the difficult task of breaking out of La Sapa enclosure this month. A year of swinging relentlessly on the cage finally had the desired effect and broke the mesh. Fortunately, Olivia and Puck discovered Loki outside prior to any of the other inhabitants discovering how to escape. La Sapa was made secure and the next three hours was spent by Douwe and Craig ensuring animal and volunteer safety while apprehending Loki. 

This is a good reminder that anything can happen at Esperanza Verde, and we are forever grateful for the level heads of both Douwe and Olivia who controlled the situation and ensured Loki was secured by the end of the evening.

New arrivals

This month saw a young man from neighbouring Bello Horizonte deliver a baby two toed sloth that he had found on the ground injured. The baby’s mother was nearby but deceased, having suffered a possible fall from a tree. Unfortunately, the condition of the baby was not good, with a gaping wound on the side and already cavities infested by maggots. We tried hard and made the baby as comfortable as possible, but its condition was too far deteriorated. The baby died after only being at Esperanza Verde for eight hours. Even if we couldn’t help that baby sloth, the story shows how important it is to work with the local community.

Construction and other

The new and improved Lucia enclosure is now finished, and another great build-up of the inside by both Douwe and Geiler saw Kira (Ma’s night monkey) move in style. The new enclosure has moved Kira closer to centre (near the volunteer kitchen) giving her more attention from both monkeys and volunteers. Luna, the older female night monkey outside, has also been spending some nights enclosed with Kira, all of which will aid in her comfort when she is released in the coming months. They seem to love each other’s company, and sleep comfortably together.

The volunteer toilet has stalled somewhat while Douwe was occupied and Geiler is distracted with plantings of papaya and yuka in the newly generated plantations off site. New clear roof plates were installed above the existing laundry/toilet area making an incredible difference to the amount of light within the room, as well as a roof extension to encompass the new toilet.

Volunteers

The ‘corona team’ had drastically reduced numbers by the end of July. Three more volunteers embarked on their journeys to return home, no doubt welcoming a return to the semi normality that home can bring. Manon, Kim and Emma leave a big gap within the team, all having been at Esperanza Verde since the beginning of March or longer. We are so grateful for all their help during this trying time and we know that whatever project they next choose will be well served.

Current volunteer numbers are at three, with Douwe, Olivia, Kayla and Marlon picking up any shortcomings and filling numbers where required.

Our little Princess turned 16!

Kayla’s birthday is always a welcome chance to celebrate, and although self-imposed lockdown is still in force at Esperanza Verde everyone managed to have a great night. Corona may have its limitations, but a fantastic night was had by all, with great company, great food and great (sometimes) dancing.

Another fantastic month at Esperanza Verde and it is hard to believe half of the year is behind us already. Covid-19 cases continue to escalate within Peru and although country wide restrictions are being eased slightly EV maintains strict policies ensuring the health and wellbeing of all in their care, be it animals, volunteers and staff.

Animals

Rumani, the male crab eating raccoon, recovered well from a leg injury in the Pepe enclosure, and could be released again. He is able to climb and walk very well and we are happy to see him exploring in the outside world again. He has been seen since occasionally coming to feed on the food placed out for him at night by volunteers.

Kapa (female Paca) was also released this month, after she fully recovered from her little scrap with the outside world. Kapa really seems to embrace her freedom and is often not seen for days at a time. When she arrives, she can generally expect someone to run to the bodega to get her some food.

Freedom is not always appreciated. A point proven by Kiko (male kinkajou) who after being allowed out earlier this month, far prefers the comfort and service provided within his enclosure. And when he finally decided to go out to explore the outside world again, within days he had an encounter with a wild male. Luckily, he got away with only some scratches and we believe it will all settle soon outside again between them as it has before.

Kassai, the young male tamandua, was very young when he came to us several months ago. He is doing very well under the intensive care at the family house. He is getting a little more independent and is exploring the outside world bit by bit so Douwe has started to build a small outside cage for him. Not only will this be another step for Kassai in his process of rehabilitation, it will also be nice to get his strong odour out of the house. Again it proves a wild animal should never be held as a pet!!

A beautiful relationship had been growing between Lupa, one of our female woollies, and Alaya, our young and wildish red howler monkey. Lately Alaya chose to stay with Lupa during the night instead of sleeping inside with the howler boys. Unfortunately while following Lupa, she came too close to one of our peccaries. Even a warning bite of a peccary can prove to do enough damage and we had to put Alaya to sleep. We are working hard to find the perfect solution to avoid the monkeys from coming too close to the peccaries.

June was a busy month for the yellow footed tortoises. They were all being located, measured, photographed and treated for parasites. This is always a volunteer favourite as being able to interact with the animals on any level is always a highlight. The three recent arrivals which had been still quarantined were now ready to join the rest, but not before they were given swimming trials to ensure they all had the ability to exit the pond unassisted. All three completed successfully and now reside with the other 17 tortoises in the Reptile enclosure.

Momo (yellow footed tortoise), who escaped a few months ago after rain had created an outlet within Rincay enclosure, was found again just outside his old enclosure. After weighing and treating he was returned to Rincay enclosure. The fear of leaving him outside is that a nearly ten kilogram tortoise which is not afraid of humans is a welcome addition to many tables within rural Peru.

SUST Animal Orphan Hospital

Casha (female porcupine) has been moved to the outside enclosure Araña. She will remain for a few more weeks to ensure all is well with her health. Finally after a long period of intensive care she has gained weight, which is always a good sign in wild animals following treatment.

New arrivals

One day Douwe returned from the village with Lumisha (Humbolts female woolly monkey). She was a pet for two months with a family, which originally were planning to eat her. When she was caught she broke her wrist and had damage from a bullet in one of her legs. These injuries healed, and don’t seem to bother her that much. Lumisha is approximately 12 months old and has not had a lot of contact with humans. After her quarantine period in the SUSTOAH and a short stay in an outside enclosure, Lumisha will be a welcome addition to the outside monkeys roaming freely around EV. She already gets a lot of attention from the outside females Chiquita and Samara.

Another animal we got from the village was a young agouti male thought to be less than one month old. Pisco had lived with one of the local families for nearly two of those weeks and was not in great shape on his arrival, only being able to use one side of his body. After a few weeks of special care within the family house, Pisco moved to the SUSTOAH where he now has full motor function and is gaining weight and confidence as expected.

The honour of being the first animal delivered from the ministry since lockdown went to Anishka (Neotropical river otter).With an age of approximately 6 weeks she is the latest animal that joined the ever expanding family of animals at EV, and another animal enjoying the one on one attention of living within the family house. With such a young otter still finding its feet and learning the nuances of survival, having the close supervision of Olivia, Douwe and family is just another important step on the road to independence.

Construction and other

Quarantine is close to be completed, requiring a few minor touches before being signed off as another successful EV construction project. Painting will be completed once travel becomes available for shopping, after Covid lockdown.

The additional toilet being added to the volunteer house has come ahead in leaps and bounds with new drainage, a new cement access way and a new floor laid. The next step will be to enclose the area, but this will wait until timber is available post lockdown.

After many days of erecting poles and tying wire in the beautiful hot sun by workers and volunteers alike, Lucia enclosure nears completion with the only requirements being a cement floor in the front cage and a cement footing to ensure enclosure security.

Volunteers

June saw two more volunteers leave Esperanza Verde. Thanks to the help of several embassies and Lauren in the UK, we could help secure travel arrangements and ensure safety on their trips. Due to the current travel restrictions all volunteers currently onsite are long term volunteers and any ‘loss’ is felt in so many ways by the team that remains. We wish both Zack and Emile well on the closure of this adventure and the beginning of their latest undertakings. Volunteer numbers now reside at six, and with assistance from both Douwe and Olivia, all processes and feeding continue as normal.

San Juan, a local celebration of a saint took place this month, all of the volunteers were treated to an event down at the EV waterfall, where lunch was supplied and is representative of the head of the saint. A great time was had by all, and the perfect weather and company made for a very pleasant atmosphere.