On a dusty road near Tambopata, Peru, a small brown figure caught the eye of a passing official. At first glance, it looked almost like a bundle of fur.
But as the official got closer, the heartbreaking truth became clear: a young howler monkey sat hunched over, arms wrapped tightly around himself as if trying to find comfort.
Howler monkeys are known for their thunderous calls echoing through the rainforest canopy. They belong in the safety of tall trees, surrounded by family troops. This one, however, was sitting alone by the roadside — a place no wild monkey should ever be.
Fearing he had been abandoned or displaced, the official contacted the volunteer group GoEco and together they carefully brought the little monkey to safety at Amazon Shelter.
Though clearly weary, the monkey showed no aggression. Instead, he allowed rescuers to gently lift him away from the dangerous road, as though he knew he was finally in safe hands.
At the shelter, veterinarians gave him a full exam and began running blood tests to ensure he was healthy enough for the next step. If all looks good, he’ll be slowly introduced to other young howler monkeys, giving him the chance to rebuild the bonds he so desperately needs.
“He is doing well,” said Jonathan Gilben, cofounder and director of GoEco. “He has to spend some time having health checks before we group him with other young howlers of his age. Once their group bonds and matures, we will release them into a wild and protected forest reserve.”
What began as a lonely, heartbreaking sight on the roadside has transformed into a new chance at life. Surrounded by care and, soon, the company of his own kind, this little howler monkey is on the path back to where he belongs — the forest canopy.
To learn more about volunteer rescue opportunities in Peru, visit GoEco. To support animals like this monkey, you can make a donation to Amazon Shelter.
