Blog

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Another month has passed by rapidly. While we wished it would sometimes be quiet and boring at Esperanza Verde, it never seems to be. We are always kept active thankfully and have not been brought to a standstill by the virus. This month had a special surprise in store when Douwe and Olivia were asked to join the launching of the week of Forestry, by the Ministry of Flora and Fauna in Pucallpa. Olivia represented Esperanza Verde at the ceremony was awarded on behalf of EV for all the hard work towards flora and fauna in the region.

Animals

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Traya (juvenile young large headed capuchin), made the move from the SUSTOAH into Pepe enclosure this month. With her quarantine period having passed without any issues, she now had just a small barrier between her and the other monkeys before being released to join our outside troop. Shimi (young male squirrel monkey living outside) recently was caught when he was seen limping with one arm. After a medical check, he was closed in with Traya, giving him a chance for a well-balanced diet and recovery while providing companionship for Traya. After some days they already formed a friendship and they were released a week later. Traya is a welcome addition to the outside monkeys, frequently being seen playing with the other young capuchin monkeys, while Shimi found his own way again in the outside world at EV.

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While swimming with the otter, Marlon had a gruesome discovery. After a night of heavy rainfall, he found Kiko lying dead in the small river near his house. He apparently had drowned as no further issues were discovered at the necropsy. After many years of being many volunteers favourite, Kiko will be sorely missed. He is leaving behind a beautiful daughter, now adult, and his partner Kila. Both Kila as her daughter are still showing up once in a while at the kinkajou feeding table. While Kila is unafraid of us, her daughter disappears as soon as we come closer, which is perfect as this is natural behaviour for wild kinkajous.

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SUST Animal Orphan Hospital

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It is amazing how many things can be achieved when need arises. One of the village cats, a male Tricki, was found with an injured leg needing amputation. Although no owner could be found, Enrique, our temporary emergency volunteer from Pucallpa stepped up and took the responsibility for another cat to add to his ever increasing “pride”. A couple of days recuperating in the SUSTAOH after the surgery, the cat went with his new owners, Enrique and Marji, to Pucallpa where he is settling in well and isn’t letting his missing leg slow him down at all.

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Aleesa (one of our scarlet macaws) was looking out of sorts within Pichu Aviary. She can’t fly and had several superficial wounds on her breast from falling. She is now spending some time in the SUSTAOH for monitoring. Although there appears to be no underlying issues, it is a good chance to monitor her diet and ensure she is getting the best possible care prior to returning to Pichu.

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Talisha (female Humboldts Woolly monkey) was found injured, covered all in mud. After cleaning her, we discovered that the extent of her wounds would give us no other choice than making her as comfortable as possible and letting her go. Another very sad loss of one of the daily characters at Esperanza Verde.

New arrivals

While Esperanza Verde is still officially not in a position of taking new animals, it doesn’t stop animals from being given to volunteers and staff alike when being in the village across the river.

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Two new juvenile male white collared peccaries, Conan and Alaric, were delivered one evening from the village. Both peccaries were settling in well at the SUSTAOH, when they were joined by another young male peccary, Maccus, after less than a week. After the medical check-up and deworming, the new peccary was introduced to the previous two. Now all three peccaries remain in the clinic where they spend every day outside the SUST OAH enjoying the fresh air, until they finished the quarantine period and join our existing peccaries in the soon to be completed new Xena enclosure.

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Machulin (female Paca) was being kept as a pet in Bello Horizonte. When people try to domesticate wild animals, it seems easy when they are small, but becomes too difficult as the animal grows. Machulin came to us after having had an encounter with a pet cat resulting in one of her ears now missing. Like the previous pacas, Machulin has a good chance in the wild again, and will be rehabilitated for her release.

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While Olivia was at the Ministry in Pucallpa she received a special request and one hard to say no to; a very young female crab eating raccoon, Eona. So again, as mostly with her trips to the city, she returned with a new animal. She was left abandoned at the ministry in Pucallpa. She still is bottle fed as she is so young. Once eating solids and grown up enough, she will become another animal released to enjoy the sanctity of Esperanza Verde, and hopefully she will find her way to Rumani or Mokwai, our earlier released crab eating raccoons.

Construction and other

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Work is mainly focused on getting the new peccary enclosure ready, and as with previous months this is never far from the forefront of everyone’s minds. The new enclosure is far bigger and remote from all existing enclosures and walkways. This is important to make it less appealing for monkeys to pass there. The team makes remarkable progress although losing at least two days a week to ensuring continued food supply for all the animals.

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A new bridge spanning the creek to the family house and Tiliku enclosure is Douwe’s prime focus when not figuratively fighting ‘fire’ that arise on a frequent occasion. The existing bridge was washed away in a heavy downfall earlier in the year, and a fallen tree has been functioning in its place since. There is no way to know how long this tree will last, so a new bridge will be very important as it will be the only way of access to the centre for the family during the coming rain season. Douwe is pre-building the bridge in the village prior to reassembly and cementing in place when completed and shows just another talent in his already extensive repertoire.

With the corona crisis testing supply lines worldwide, self-sufficiency has never been highlighted more than this year. Prior to lockdown Douwe and Olivia were looking at another plantation further down the river. This plantation has been organically farmed and the owner was well known by us, as Douwe frequently visited him and received on several occasions a variation of fruit. As the owner was not able to take care of his land he was looking for a buyer who would keep his way of farming in place. This purchase has now been completed and adds another 23 hectares to Esperanza Verde. This plantation allows for more crops to be grown ensuring continuity of supply, and has a lot of potential for future organic projects.

Volunteers

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October is the month of birthdays for the family: Marlon’s and Olivia’s. And who says you can’t make a party with only a few people. Both days were a great break from our daily routine, with cake, pie and dancing. And of course the Southern American tradition: a Piñata to smash.

With so few volunteers and officially no new animal arrivals one could think that there wouldn’t be a lot of information to portray. That is not the case as, in spite of any obstacles thrown in our direction, we continue the daily trials and tribulations to fulfil animal requirements.

Animals

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After just six months of living within and outside the family house, Kassai (tamandua anteater) made the move to a larger enclosure this month. Kassai still requires intensive one on one care as he has sustained an injury to his tongue, but appears to be adapting well to having a lot more space. He is a welcome sight to see in the evenings interacting with Puck (long term “stranded” volunteer) and exploring the outside of his enclosure as well.

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By having so many different species within one area, we are occasionally treated to witnessing special relationships. Sumo (South American coati) is a wild card within Esperanza Verde. Always showing up unexpectedly and keeping staff, volunteers and other animals on their toes. While known to be a hindrance while trying to complete any task that Sumo takes an interest in, it is still intriguing and humbling to see him playing with Tara (the family dog), and the sometimes limitless enthusiasm and energy they possess.

Naka and Talisha (humboldts woolly monkeys) re-joined the outside monkeys after their time in Lulu. They are both gaining weight as expected and are highly receptive to the addition of a milk supplement to their daily intake.

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SUST Animal Orphan Hospital

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Kiara (orange winged amazon) is spending time in the clinic currently after being found in the Pichu aviary with a damaged leg. As blood flow within the leg is still prevalent, the wound is being cleaned twice a day with the hope that she regains some use.

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Anybody lucky enough to have spent time at Esperanza Verde in the previous two years will have got to know Ramon (red howler monkey). Being that howler monkeys require more one on one care than any of the species currently at EV meant that they find a special place in all our hearts. Ramon was certainly no different. Unfortunately this month we had to wish farewell to this little man as he went in search of food within the peccary enclosure. Peccaries are particularly territorial and often attack anything within their immediate area.
Ramon was operated on and made comfortable, but the following day succumbed to his extensive injuries. Read on to learn about the special measures currently being undertaken to prevent any more of these occurrences.

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Although September had its high points, it also provided more than its fair share of low points. Late in the month Rafiki (blue and yellow macaw) was found lying prone on the bottom of his enclosure having sustained another fall. Rafiki was one of the first birds to come to Esperanza Verde and had certainly had an eventful time. As Rafiki was unable to fly and movement was very limited due to previous injuries, he had lived in numerous enclosures. He’d lived with the family, lived with the volunteers and spent more than a couple of tenures within the SUSTOAH clinic. All with the aim of giving him the best possible care both physically and mentally. Regrettably with each fall Rafiki sustained more injuries and this final fall became one he would not recover from. Emotions ran high as the collective decision was made to make Rafiki as comfortable as possible and assist him on his way.
This macaw was a character that often danced and actively reacted to volunteers and staff alike. His presence will be sorely missed.

New arrivals

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While Esperanza Verde is not officially taking any rescued animals in the immediate future, we still have occurrences where animals arrive unexpectedly. One such case was Bajus a young yellow footed tree tortoise who was found in a local chakra with a fungus on his shell. He is responding well to daily treatment and due to his small size is expected to be released in the coming months.

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Traya (young female large headed capuchin) was brought to us from a previous volunteer living in nearby Pucallpa. Although not in a position to easily accept new animals, this volunteer was able to sweeten the deal by making himself available to assist in the coming months.

Construction and other

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With Bello Horizonte (our local village) being a busy agricultural area, workers are often difficult to find and even more difficult to retain. Both long serving staff Geyler and Machico are doing a fantastic job in their respective fields. This month we welcomed back Hugo who had worked at Esperanza Verde last year. Hugo’s return is a welcome addition to the team.

Although constructions have become of a lower priority due to a lesser income caused by the impact of the pandemic, a new peccary enclosure needed to be planned to be able to safeguard the outside living animals. We were able to start ordering material, of which most has arrived this month. Seeing the rapid progress being made is a true credit to the small team involved. The new peccary enclosure is further away from all thoroughfares and not in direct contact with any other enclosures. This is envisaged to reduce interest and hopefully stop any further incidents as was the case with Ramon this month.

August saw work continue on the new volunteer toilet with internal walls being added and resurfaced.

Volunteers

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Douwe and Geyler could be freed from the weekly feeding schedule, as a good friend and ex volunteer Enrique joined us to help out. His help in the day to day running is greatly appreciated, and now Geyler and Douwe can go on with all the other necessary projects and maintenance. We have seen this month how a small team can manage even in situations of heavy distress (e.g. in case of Ramon and Rafiki). Although it is not an easy task on a day to day basis, the animals are keeping us together, as they depend on it, and we all do it with a big heart towards them all.

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.