As we shared in our May newsletter, due to heaps of changes and busy times here at Esperanza Verde, we decided to update you every two months. This way, we can bring you more complete stories about animals, staff, and projects. Don’t forget, for more regular updates, you can always follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Animals
New friendships have blossomed! Young, large-headed capuchins male Kalu and female Shana, along with squirrel monkey Anora, moved out of the clinic to join the slightly older male capuchins Kenzo and Pacco. It took a few days to get used to each other, but since they’re all young, they bonded quickly. The outside group of capuchins pay regular visits, showing them how the social hierarchy works—a big step forward in their rehabilitation and preparation for release.
Sadly, we said goodbye to young female howler monkey Maya. She was found weak, and medical checks revealed parasites, and treatment began immediately. But during a difficult night, her condition worsened, and her organs failed. Despite all efforts, it was too late. We’re heartbroken to lose her so suddenly. We know howlers are tough survivors, but Maya had such a strong, promising spirit.
Young female capybara Charra, having eaten almost all the grass in the clinic garden, has grown enough to move to the Momo enclosure. At night, she finds shelter under the cabana, where she enjoys freshly prepared veggies. During the day, she roams freely, munching on leaves and taking regular dips in the pond.
White-throated toucan Tocay now goes out every day! After starting his release last year, it became clear he needed more flight training. Previously kept as a pet, his feathers were cut, making flight impossible. Here, after almost two years, his feathers are complete again, but after years of no flying, his muscles needed strengthening. Thanks to daily flight training with volunteers, Tocay is now strong and free, calling loudly from the trees. Although still imprinted on humans, sometimes flying head-on at certain people (not the nicest experience!), we hope he will gradually connect with the wild toucans that have been spotted now more near the centre. Rehabilitation and release remain complex and lengthy, but Tocay’s progress is inspiring.
Quarantine
Eleven yellow-footed tortoises, one yellow-spotted river turtle, three red-tailed boas, and six anacondas have been released after quarantine, medical checks, and deworming.
Six white-eyed parakeets rescued in April have moved to the plantation enclosure Lori to prepare for future release. They’re wild, healthy, and gaining flight skills, and we hope to release them soon.
We had two new arrivals:
- Female adult spider monkey Lumina, confiscated from a home where she was tied around the waist. After quarantine and treatment, she found two new friends in Lucio and Rimaq in the Rimaq enclosure. With time to adapt and learn spider monkey behaviours, we hope to release her to live semi-freely with the other spider monkeys. She’s thriving with room to climb and swing — no ropes holding her back anymore!
- Young white-throated toucan Shakana joined the EV family, too! She was handed over by a local, and her feathers were cut to keep her from flying. She had several parasites, one very persistent, but Elja and the students are on top of her care. It will be a long road to recovery, but we’re hopeful she will reach Tocay’s level.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital
Elja Jeunink, our new veterinarian from the Netherlands, has begun her work as the in-house vet at EV. Helping also with all the general tasks, she quickly adapted to the hands-on nature. Even with no animals in the clinic currently, theirs is always plenty to do. Welcome Elja!
One challenging case has been and still is capybara Basco. Earlier this year, he was struggling with diarrhoea and weight loss We moved him to a cleaner enclosure, increased dietary fibre, and treated parasites. His condition fluctuated, but thanks to student volunteer Cas’s close care and Elja’s new treatments, Basco is still in good spirits with a healthy appetite. We hope he’ll soon regain his normal weight. Updates to follow!
After a few months enclosed with Rimaq and Lucio, adult female spider monkey Katinka was released once all mesh windows were secured (see earlier newsletters). Soon, we noticed her belly growing bigger and suspected pregnancy. She seemed well, but then started bleeding, and her belly shrank. Thanks to an ultrasound funded by our donations to our Dutch foundation, Elja and Douwe confirmed she likely had a miscarriage. We kept her under observation and now she’s happily back outside, causing her usual mischief—like stealing vitamins!
Veterinary students Philipp Holas and Johanna Bösch from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna came to EV during their studies. They’re analysing a wide range of faecal samples for parasite research, helping us in managing parasites and looking for the best treatment plans. Go team “poo samples”!
Construction & Others
In recent months, staff, sometimes with one of the volunteers, have been clearing the borders of our 180-hectare protected forest to mark our land and prevent accidental settlement or plantations.
Ongoing maintenance takes much time: repairing old enclosures, fixing parts of buildings. Fifteen years of jungle heat and humidity take their toll, and with EV’s growth, maintenance has become one of the biggest weekly tasks. Currently, the guest house—used for official visits and other special guests—is undergoing repairs.
Volunteers & Jungle life
As every June, we celebrated San Juan at our waterfall. The day honours Saint John the Baptist and highlights the Amazon’s deep connection to water. The celebration centres around the Juane, a dish made from rice, boiled eggs, olives, and local spices, wrapped in banana leaves. Family, volunteers, and local workers took their Juanes to the waterfall, enjoying a fun afternoon—a welcome break in a busy week!
We Need You – Join the Team!
We’re looking for new volunteers to join us in the coming months. Whether you’re travelling through Peru or dreaming of life in the Amazon, your hands and heart are welcome here.
Get in touch: info@esperanzaverdeperu.com — be part of something wild and wonderful.
¡Hasta Proxima!