Monkey Freedom Project: Meet Wanto (Jono)
Blog
Wanto, sometimes affectionately called Jono, was taken from the wild as a baby and sent to a brutal training centre by the time he was just six months old.
Age: 5 years old
Rescue location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Time in captivity: Around 3 years
His “job”? One of the hardest and most painful: walking on stilts. The unnatural movements caused bruising and pain in his legs - common among monkeys forced into this cruel act.
He spent three years performing on the streets. When not working, he was chained or locked away, like so many others exploited in the dancing monkey trade. It’s no wonder that Wanto arrived at the sanctuary both hyperalert and timid - always watching, cautious, but never aggressive.
Now in quarantine at JAAN’s sanctuary, Wanto is beginning to relax, bit by bit. His social side is starting to show - he’s often seen grooming or interacting through the bars with his neighbour Frankie, and he’s very observant of his surroundings.
Medically, Wanto’s front canines had been clipped by his handler, a common and dangerous practice to prevent bites. Fortunately, because he was still young when rescued, he’s in the process of growing his adult teeth, meaning surgery might not be necessary. He’s receiving regular medical monitoring, vitamins, parasite treatment, and a healthy diet to support his recovery.
And that diet? Wanto is loving every bite. After likely being underfed for much of his life, he now eats with real joy - especially mangoes, corn, and fresh green leaves. It’s a small but powerful part of his healing: learning that food can come without fear.
With continued care, Wanto will soon begin the next steps of his journey: socialisation, rehabilitation, and - hopefully one day - life in the wild.
Image credits: Images are by Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN)