WATCH: Rescued monkey family returns to the wild!
News
For the last two years, animal lovers like you have helped 31 macaques heal from abuse they endured trapped in Indonesia’s cruel dancing monkey trade. Now, they’ve just been released back into the wild!
Images courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network
The big day has finally arrived! New footage from our partners at Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) shows the moment 31 rescued monkeys take their first steps back into the wild, after years of healing and recovery at JAAN’s sanctuary.
Watch as they rediscover life on the wild side:
The moment they made it home
The JAAN team carried each of the monkeys on their backs in their own special carriers, trekking deep through the jungle on a protected island that the monkeys can now call home.
Soon they reached their destination – a large patch of forest set aside especially for the monkeys, with a big temporary net that will keep them safe while they get used to jungle life.
One by one, the JAAN team opened each carrier. Some of the monkeys bolted straight into the trees, excitedly embracing the tall branches and the feel of fresh forest air. Others were a little shy, hanging back by their carriers and getting used to the soft leaves under their paws before they too dashed into the jungle.
After a while, the monkeys were flexing their muscles learning to swing from branch to branch. Or sitting calmly on the forest floor quietly nibbling on fresh fruit. The JAAN team will stay on the island for a while to monitor the monkeys, before the net is lifted and this loving monkey family are truly wild once more.
A long journey (and the heroes who made it possible)
It sure isn’t easy planning a monkey release! But the team at JAAN are experts, and with you by their side, they made sure every one of the monkeys were safe and healthy for the entire journey.
Vets at the sanctuary gave each monkey a quick final check, before they were carefully bundled into their carriers. Soon they were loaded into big trucks and hit the road, leaving the home they shared for two years since their rescue.
After a nearly 20-hour truck journey, the monkeys and their carers arrived at the beach ready to set sail to their new home on a protected island The team formed a human chain to hoist all the monkeys into boats, clipping every carrier into a life jacket.
It made quite a sight as a flotilla of boats full of monkeys crossed the ocean. The island is very remote, and getting there means navigating big waves and unpredictable currents. But soon every boat pulled up safely onto the island’s beach, ready to begin the long tiring hike into the forest.
The carers from JAAN had to navigate tangled vines and steep slippery hills to get to the release site. But for this incredible group of animal advocates, it was all worth it to see their beloved monkeys embrace life in their new wild home – the life they always should have lived.
How you helped them heal
Before you helped rescue them, these 31 monkeys were trapped in a life of unimaginable suffering.
They were likely stolen from the wild when they were babies, snatched from their mothers. For years they were chained in a ‘dancing monkey’ training village. They were beaten and forced to perform tricks for entertainment. These sensitive and social animals had no way to interact with each other, and were kept in incredibly tight boxes when they weren’t performing.
With your help, the JAAN team brought the monkeys to their sanctuary where they could heal in safety. They made sure they had frequent vet visits to heal from injuries they’d received while performing, and plenty of nutritious food to help them grow strong.
In captivity
Unyil, before being rescued from the dancing monkey trade.
In recovery
Unyil, recovering at JAAN’s centre after the rescue.
In the wild
Unyil, finally free and introduced in the wild once more.
Most importantly the monkeys could socialise with each other, learning how to play together and groom their friends. This was a critical step before they could be released into the wild.
Wild animals are still being abused for tourism
The cruel wildlife trade leaves so many wild animals starving, sick and abused all to make profit, and often for the tourism industry. While these beautiful monkeys are now free thanks to you, there are still too many wild animals suffering in this brutal trade. But with your help, we will continue to call for an end to wildlife exploitation in entertainment and tourism.
Together, we can create a truly kinder future for wild animals here at home and around the world. Thank you.
Will you protect animals?
Every animal deserves a life worth living – from captive monkeys used for entertainment to mother pigs in cages in factory farms.
Who is your monkey twin?
Are you calm and confident like Jono or a curious explorer like Amel? Take this quiz to find your monkey match!