White faced monkey rescue

The white-faced monkey as a pet in Costa Rica: Lessons in conservation and animal welfare.

The white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus emitator), a symbolic species of Costa Rica, has been rescued by the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) from a family in Guanacaste, where it was kept as a pet.

According to Costa Rica’s Wildlife Law 7317, the extraction and keeping of wild animals in Costa Rican households is prohibited.

Former Minister of Environment and Energy Edgar Gutiérrez emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources, including wildlife, as the foundation for the country’s sustainable development.

Why is this lesson about the white-faced capuchin monkey in Costa Rica so relevant?

Regrettably, cases of wild animals being used as pets, like the white-faced capuchin monkey, are still observed.

Turning a wild animal into a pet involves extracting it from its natural habitat, causing changes in its diet, environment, and behavior, and losing its identity. These factors can lead to considerable psychological and physical issues in the white-faced capuchin monkey.

This problem not only harms animals but also poses risks to human health. Wild animals can carry microorganisms and diseases that can severely affect us.

The transition from freedom to captivity can induce violent behaviors due to the stress of confinement. Additionally, animals can experience depression and self-injury. There are even documented cases of suicide in other species, such as dolphins. In the sanctuary, a capuchin monkey with three legs has been recorded due to the stress of living in a house alongside other domestic animals like dogs or cats.

The solution lies in nature protection, promoting a conscious culture, and fostering empathy towards wild animals.

Ramcez’s Story, the White-Faced Capuchin Monkey in Costa Rica

El mono cara blanca en cautiverio
Ramcez estuvo cautivo y amarrado por más de 4 años.

Ramcez spent four years in a Guanacaste family, where he was treated like a human baby. This is reflected in his behavior, such as extending his hand to ask for food in the presence of people.

Without the company of others of his species for so long, the white-faced capuchin monkey has become so humanized that he has completely lost his identity, leading to psychological problems. His rehabilitation will require time, patience, and the support of sanctuary workers, who have specialized knowledge in handling these animals.

Despite his short life, Ramcez has experienced numerous traumas, including losing his mother. Primates need extended learning periods alongside their mothers, lasting up to 10 years. The domestication of these animals robs them of their nature and exposes them to well-being challenges.

Due to their intelligence, animals in captivity, especially primates, require stimuli and enrichment to maintain their well-being. They are provided with homemade or purchased toys like hammocks, balls, and ropes, among others, to satisfy their physical and mental needs. While the recovery of these animals can be complex, community collaboration can facilitate the process.

If you’d like to learn more about the white-faced capuchin monkey in Costa Rica, click here.

If you wish to contribute to rehabilitating Ramcez and other animals in the sanctuary, we offer four simple ways to help in the following link here!.

Actualizado 8 junio 2023

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Emerald toucan rescue

Aulacorhynchus prasinus or Emerald Toucan

Toucan emerald, last Sunday, May 27, we received a call from a neighbor of the Miramar community of Puntarenas; He said that a toucanet chick had fallen from its nest and that they had been in their home for a few days. People decided that the best future for the bird was to try to return it to the ecosystem. So, they decided to enter the bird into NATUWA to rehabilitate it for its future release.

Tucán esmeralda
Tucán esmeralda Aulacorhynchus prasinus.

 

The emerald toucan (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) is one of the most beautiful birds in the rain forests; they inhabit the part of the canopy and edges of the forest; They can also be seen in cocoa plantations and even lightly wooded areas. In Costa Rica, it distributed at intermediate elevations along the Caribbean and Pacific slopes.

NATUWA rehabilitates the bird so that it can return to its natural ecosystem. At this moment, it is in an enclosure full of vegetation that allows it to practice flight and even has the opportunity to search for food. The Aulacorhynchus is visited twice a day to be observed and to ensure that it is feeding and hydrating correctly.

 

Tucanete esmeralda en recuperación

 

Next, the bird will be under a process with as little human contact as possible to avoid imprinting. On the contrary, when the bird released, it will seek the company of someone and fall into the hands of someone who will not hesitate to subject it to conditions of captivity and food that are not very proper.

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Tepescuintle Cuniculus paca

Rescue and Rehabilitation of an Injured Paca in the Natuwa Sanctuary

The Mission of SINAC and the Threats to Wildlife

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) plays a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of Costa Rica. One of its key responsibilities is to protect endangered species found in protected areas such as Carara National Park. However, despite their efforts, illegal hunting continues to be a persistent threat to wildlife in this protected zone.

Rescue Operation: Saving a Paca from Poachers

In a remarkable rescue operation, SINAC officials successfully brought a female paca (Cuniculus paca) into the Natuwa Sanctuary. This particular animal had been targeted by illegal hunters who intended to sell it to the highest bidder for consumption. Fortunately, authorities intervened in time, preventing further harm to the defenseless creature.

Evaluation and Rehabilitation: Assessing the Injury and Providing Care

After the paca was rescued, SINAC officials observed an evident injury on one of its hind legs. Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive care, they quickly organized a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. X-rays were scheduled to rule out possible fractures, ensuring that appropriate treatment would be administered.

The primary focus now shifts to the rehabilitation process, where wildlife experts at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary will work diligently to care for and recover the paca. The injured animal will receive specialized care, including medication, physical therapy, and a carefully planned diet to aid in its recovery. Once the paca has regained its strength and mobility, it will be released into its natural habitat, where it can contribute to conservation efforts in Carara National Park.

In conclusion, the diligent efforts of SINAC officials have not only saved the life of a paca, but also highlighted the continued threats posed by illegal hunting. Through their rescue and rehabilitation operations, institutions like SINAC and sanctuaries like Natuwa are making significant strides in protecting Costa Rica’s unique wildlife and preserving its natural heritage.

Author: Rodolfo Orozco Vega, updated on June 20, 2023, 8:04pm.

Visit our section of rescued animals at the following link: Natuwa Sanctuary Animals.

Continue ReadingTepescuintle Cuniculus paca