A group of monkeys sitting on a rock

Monkey Freedom Project: Meet the monkeys

Meet the monkeys you're helping rescue, heal and return to the wild

Every monkey here has survived an unimaginable past - stolen from the wild, chained, and forced to perform on the streets for tourists and bypassers. But thanks to your support, their stories are beginning to change.

At the JAAN sanctuary, they are receiving the expert care, love, and safety they’ve always deserved. From gentle Amel and her inseparable friend Meli, to curious young Panjul and shy little Unyil, each monkey is on their own unique journey of recovery.

This is your chance to get to know them - their stories, their personalities, and the hopeful futures you’re helping create.

Meet Unyil

Rescued after a year on the streets, Unyil is just 2 years old. Taken from the wild as a baby, he was forced to perform, live in a dark box, and beg for money. But now, he’s safe. Still shy and recovering in quarantine, Unyil is slowly gaining weight and confidence.

Meet Amel

At just 7 years old, Amel spent most of her life chained and forced to perform on the streets. Gentle and fragile, she arrived at the sanctuary underweight and covered in parasites - but never lost her kind spirit.

Meet Jono

Jono was just 8 months old when his life as a performing monkey began. Forced to walk on stilts, ride a wooden bike, and push a wheelbarrow for entertainment, he spent most of his early life in chains. Now, at last, he is safe.

Meet Meli

Once forced to perform in a mask and carry weights, Meli is a shy, gentle soul who finds comfort in her best friend Amel.

Meet Panjul

Forced to perform with a mask and cart from just one years old, Panjul spent over two years in chains. But since arriving at the sanctuary, this clever, curious macaque is thriving.

Meet Wanto

Wanto spent years performing painful tricks like walking on stilts. Chained, starved, and frightened, he arrived at the sanctuary hyperalert - but never aggressive. Now, he’s slowly learning to relax.