Healing from the Inside Out: The Medical Journey of a Rescued Monkey

This is the medical journey you’re helping to make possible. 

Years of neglect, met with compassion 

Most of these monkeys were taken from the wild as infants, torn from their mothers — who were often killed in the process. They were forced to perform on the streets, enduring years of violence, hunger and captivity. Many had their teeth clipped with pliers to prevent them from defending themselves. Almost all arrived underweight, malnourished, and riddled with intestinal parasites. 

Now, for the first time in their lives, they are being treated with respect, compassion, and professional care. 

The first step: intensive medical assessments 

• Every monkey goes through a complete intake process, including: 
• Blood tests to monitor infection, organ function and nutritional status 
• Three separate tuberculosis (TB) screenings 
• Parasitic treatment (most tested positive for intestinal parasites) 
• Dental checks — a vital step given the severe damage caused by tooth clipping 
• Microchipping and DNA sampling to track individuals and support future rewilding plans 

The team also closely monitors each monkey’s weight, hydration, and coat condition, adjusting their diets with extra protein, vitamins, and immune support as needed. Some, like Amel and Meli, arrived severely underweight and received extra feedings to help them recover.

Pictured: A monkey is getting its teeth checked for any issues due to dental mutilation

Dental care: critical, and often overlooked 

One of the cruellest aspects of the dancing monkey trade is dental mutilation. To make them “safer” for handlers, 28 out of the 31 monkeys had their canines clipped without anaesthetic — a painful procedure that leaves exposed root canals, chronic infections, and long-term health risks. 

For monkeys like Panjul, the damage was severe. He arrived with infected, open root canals and a painful abscess in his cheek. Thanks to your support, he received antibiotics, pain relief, and intensive monitoring. Fortunately, because he is still young and has only baby teeth, surgery wasn’t needed — his healthy adult teeth are now starting to grow in. 

Others, like Jono, underwent dental surgery to safely remove damaged teeth and stop further complications. Meli, rescued early enough to avoid permanent harm, is one of the few monkeys who still has her intact milk teeth. 

Small changes signal big progress 

Healing isn’t just about medical charts — it’s seen in the subtle shifts in behaviour. When he first arrived, Unyil was so traumatised he wouldn’t eat and screamed in fear at the sight of people. Now, he’s eating well, gaining weight, and slowly gaining confidence. 

Amel, once dangerously thin, is now healthy and active, spending her days grooming and foraging with her best friend, Meli. Their gentle companionship is a powerful sign of emotional healing, as well as physical recovery. 

Panjul no longer shows signs of stress. He’s energetic and curious — especially about the larger male monkeys nearby, who he seems to view as protectors. 

Pictured: Medical staff are checking the monkeys for tuberculosis

Looking ahead: the road to freedom 

Once they’ve completed quarantine and received their final TB clearance, the monkeys move to the socialisation phase. Here, they begin forming bonds, rebuilding group structures, and practising the natural behaviours they’ll need to survive in the wild — like foraging, climbing, and grooming. 

This wouldn’t be possible without a strong foundation of health and care. And every step of that recovery has been powered by you. 

Thanks to your support, these monkeys are no longer suffering in silence. They’re healing — and they’re finally on the path to the wild lives they were meant to live.