A capuchin monkey that didn’t get along with the only other member of his species at the San Diego Zoo was transferred to a Florida sanctuary, where it’s hoped he can find a companion.
Cuzco — a member of a species of small primates that have a dark brown coat and a cream or light tan coloring around the face, neck and shoulders — is now being cared for at the Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary.
The facility on 39 acres in Gainesville is home to 299 monkeys that were confiscated by authorities, retired from research, former pets or are in need of finding friends of their own kind.
“With over 100 capuchins, we are optimistic about finding Cuzco a companion,” said Kari Bagnall, founder and executive director of Jungle Friends. “We care for the individual medical, psychological and behavioral needs of these monkeys by protecting and providing them a safe, healthy and stimulating environment for life.”
Cuzco was brought to the San Diego Zoo after he was seized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which in 2008 intercepted an illegal animal shipment from South America to Asia. He was the only survivor among his family.
San Diego Zoo Global, which operates the zoo and Safari Park, said it will monitor his progress and pay for his ongoing care.
Capuchin monkeys usually live in groups of 10 to 35 members in habitats in Central and South America, according to Rainforest-Alliance.org.
— City News Service
