Sanctuary says farewell to two of its oldest monkeys

THE World Primate Sanctuary in Esther Park said goodbye to two of its eldest marmoset monkeys due to old age the past six months.

A few months ago Bambi (13), who was a paraplegic and described as a very intelligent and happy monkey, died in her sleep.

Scooby (17) died due to organ failure on Tuesday morning after being donated by his owner five months ago.

“Scooby was donated to us because his partner, who was 20 years old, also died of old age. The owner wanted him to be happy with other friends surrounding him, seeing that marmosets struggle to live as long as these two have without a partner,” said Wayne McLeod, founder and primatologist at the sanctuary.

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McLeod explained that the sanctuary was a safe haven for these monkeys and it was important to tend to their needs such as the right diet, being in a surrounding with their own type and lots of exercise.

“Normally marmosets only live between eight and 12 years. I have only witnessed once before one of my own marmosets reaching an age of 18 years. The owner took such good care of Scooby and his partner and she made the right choice to bring him here so he could be happy the last few months of his life.”

The World Primate Sanctuary not only offers a home for adopted monkeys but they also give short talks to schools and owners of monkeys to help educate them in order to save the lives of monkeys.

Currently more than 60 monkeys reside at the sanctuary who all have special needs to be attended to.

“From my side and all of the monkeys, we will miss you Scooby and Bambi, you had such amazing characters.”