The past two months have brought plenty of changes here at Esperanza Verde. Young animals are becoming more independent, new friendships are forming, and we have welcomed more new faces to the EV family. At the same time, we have had to say goodbye to some. Here’s what’s been happening in the jungle.
Animals
When squirrel monkey Fito arrived, he was very small, skinny and missing much of his fur. With plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and practice catching tasty bugs, he quickly grew stronger, and his fur started growing back. Regular visits from squirrel monkeys Mina and Anora helped prepare him for the outside world. He now spends his days outdoors, returning to his “nest” at the end of the day.
Two-fingered sloth Saphira has taken off into the jungle! After arriving more than a year ago, she gradually started exploring the forest at night, with a fresh plate of food waiting for her return. We saw less and less of her until she stopped coming back altogether. Throughout the process, we monitored her weight and health, and we’re confident she has learned enough to find her own way. Who knows, perhaps one day she’ll turn up with a young one of her own!
Juvenile two-fingered sloth Siula is now starting her own release process. She has already spent her first night out and returned the following day. So far, so good!
Sadly, we lost woolly monkey, Juanita. When she stopped coming to the Family House for her vitamins, we went looking for her and found her body in the forest behind the house. There were no obvious signs to explain her sudden death, as she had been in good health. With her unique yellowish fur, Juanita was often one of the first monkeys our volunteers learned to recognise. She will be fondly remembered.
Baby spider monkeys Curana and Yanaika, born free here this year to mothers Cumala and Yanay, are growing quickly and becoming more independent. While Yanaika still stays close to her mother, Curana is already quite adventurous. She is often seen exploring branches and small trees, eating at the monkey tables and playing with the other spider monkeys, including Yanaika.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital
After suffering a severe bite wound, our resident female howler monkey Maida was admitted to the clinic for treatment. The operation went well, but healing took time. Howlers face additional risks during treatment, as they can quickly develop physical and mental depression. At first, Maida seemed to recover well, and her wound was slowly improving. Unfortunately, her general health suddenly declined, and we were unable to help her recover.
We are heartbroken by her loss. With her funny walk, strong personality and the many friendships she formed, Maida was a favourite during her five years here. We will especially miss hearing her howl alongside Darwin while sitting on top of his enclosure.
Young male woolly monkey Kimano spent his quarantine period at the clinic. Being around the same age as Aika and Nimo, he joined them soon afterwards. They bonded quickly and can often be seen climbing and jumping around before cuddling up together in the hammock.
Young female woolly monkey Imana is also preparing for her release. The plan is for the four of them to move into an outside enclosure. There, the outside woolly monkeys can visit them, allowing them to gradually get used to their future group.
We also welcomed juvenile capuchin monkey Pacho, who was kept as a pet and grew up very attached to humans. We are helping him become more independent before introducing him to the other capuchins. With his inquisitive and gentle nature, we hope he will adapt well to life among the other monkeys.
Quarantine
A new capybara has joined the EV family! Juvenile capybara Wasiri was brought to us after being kept as a pet. He certainly enjoys his food, with plenty of fresh vegetables, leaves and grass on the menu. After completing quarantine, Wasiri moved to the outside enclosure next to capybaras Basco and Charro, where he can see and sniff them from a safe distance. We hope all will go well and we can join them in the future.
Four new birds also joined us: scarlet macaw Taro, blue-and-yellow macaw Tarik, orange-winged Amazon parrot Curio and white-winged parakeet Tulu.
All four arrived with their feathers cut, unable to fly. Here at EV, they now have the chance to regrow their feathers and, hopefully, relearn how to fly.
Construction & Maintenance
After several months focused on maintenance, work has resumed on Mica, our new capuchin release enclosure. We look forward to seeing the project progress and creating another place for future capuchin releases. Thanks to the Susy Utzinger Stiftung in Switzerland, this project can continue.
The bird enclosures have also received some attention, with new branches added to the aviaries. Working high up in these large enclosures involves plenty of ladders, climbing and balancing, but seeing the birds perched on their new branches makes it all worthwhile.
Volunteers & Jungle life
After almost 18 months as Assistant Manager, we said goodbye to Maud. She worked with great dedication, giving her time, patience and energy to both humans and animals. She also took on many extra tasks, not always easy ones, and kept everything going. She will be greatly missed, but she remains part of the EV family and is already helping to recruit new team members. Thank you for everything, Maud!
Former Assistant Manager Puck and former volunteer Sandra, who fell in love with EV and each other in 2020, also paid us a short visit. Never ones to sit still, they helped wherever needed, from preparing food in the bodega to giving tours and cooking for the team. It was great to have you back!
After having a very small team over the past few months, September brought us lots of new volunteers as well as some familiar faces.
Aisha, Bea, Casper and Ben, who had all volunteered here earlier this year, returned with new friends. It is always wonderful to see people finding their place at EV and sharing that experience with others.
Join the Team – We Need You!
We’re looking for new volunteers to join us in the coming months! Whether you’re travelling 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.
¡Hasta Proxima!