This May was a month of quiet determination. With fewer volunteers on site and Olivia and Kayla representing EV in the Netherlands for our 15th anniversary, the rest of the team pulled together. Craig and Regner stepped up to help with daily feedings, and the quarantine animals began showing real signs of strength. As always, the team stays strong, we care, we work, and lives are changed through love, patience, and teamwork.
Animals
Maruja, our experienced woolly monkey mama, gave birth to her third baby – a healthy female. We’d been keeping a close eye on her after last year’s complications with Naka and Coya during their pregnancies. But Maruja knew exactly what to do. Her firstborn, son Manok, and second, daughter Maroha, are the living proof of that. Now, little Maruja Jr., Marcela, is thriving under her care, while Martin, the vigilant alpha male, keeps the group safe and sound.
Maida, the adult female howler monkey, had been having occasional clashes with Chaira (capuchin) and Martin. So, we tried a softer approach – giving her quality time with Darwin. The result? Sweet howling duets and cuddles. Meanwhile, Maya, our youngest female howler, joined Ysaia and Waldo for short, supervised outings. After a busy hour, she is rewarded with a bowl of warm steamed veggies in the safety of her enclosure – jungle fine dining!
Very sadly, we had to say a sudden goodbye to Hubi, one of our beloved white-winged trumpeters. He was found outside in distress and passed shortly after from acute pneumonia. His absence has left a quiet space in the forest—one less curious beak, one less flutter in the underbrush. Ludi, his companion (despite their frequent squabbles), is now left to roam alone. Hubi will be deeply missed.
Quarantine
Our newest arrivals – especially several orange-winged Amazon parrots – had a tough start. We lost 6 of the 25 parrots, and the last very weak and young ones, Into, Yapla, and Apso, remained in isolation for a longer time. Now, finally, their strength returned, and they could join the rest of the group.
The only two macaws of the group, Chiron (blue-and-yellow macaw) and Bilmo (chestnut-fronted macaw), will soon be ready to join the birds in the Elmo enclosure.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital
Nola, young woolly monkey, wasn’t her usual self – no appetite, loose stools, so she was brought to the clinic for observation and tested positive for parasites. With treatment and plenty of volunteer TLC, she’s now back swinging in her hammock in the Pepe enclosure, reunited with her monkey crew.
Capuchins Kalu (male) and Shana (female), along with squirrel monkey Anora, made the big move from the clinic to their outdoor enclosure. The first day was a whirlwind – new sights, new monkey neighbours – but they’re adapting fast. The outside capuchins were curious, and soon our trio was showing off just how cheeky they can be!
Construction & Maintenance
With fewer hands on deck, Geyler and Douwe handled an impressive workload: sourcing fruit, repairing and replacing tables (especially in the bird enclosures), and keeping operations smooth despite the limited team. Regner and Craig, usually helping in maintenance, were pulled into animal care this month, showing that at EV, everyone pitches in where they’re needed most.
Volunteers & Jungle life
Olivia and Kayla represented EV at our 15th anniversary event in the Netherlands – a day full of laughter, memories, and dancing (yes, Olivia had her favourite tune played!). The gathering at Koningshof in Utrecht brought together former volunteers, friends, and supporters from the early days to now—huge thanks to Puck, Anne-Marie, and Anna for organising such a heartwarming event. Even Douwe, Marlon, and the Peru team made a surprise virtual appearance!
For the fourth time, we said goodbye to Alex, and once again, she leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. Returning at a challenging time, she trained Maud in the assistant manager role and gave essential support during the influx of animals. Thank you, Alex. Your jungle family will miss you dearly… until next time!
Join the Team – We Need You!
We’re looking for new volunteers to join us in the coming months! Whether you’re traveling in Peru or dreaming of life in the Amazon, your hands and heart are welcome here.
Get in touch: info@esperanzaverdeperu.com — and come be part of something wild and wonderful.
From now on, our newsletter will come every other month. This gives us more time to care for our animals while keeping you updated with stories that matter.
¡Hasta Proxima!