Ernesto

  • Species: White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus)
  • Gender: Male
  • Birthday: January 1, 1994
  • Arrival: March 29, 2005
  • Background: Ex-Pet
  • Character: Crazy

Ernie, also known as Ernesto the Pesto, is one wild and crazy white-faced capuchin. Ernie was born in Las Vegas and came to Jungle Friends when he was 9 years old. He arrived with his best friend Hayley. Ernie and Hayley were both being kept as 'pet' monkeys and they did what most 'pet' monkeys do -- bite, bite and then bite some more! Ernie's guardian had the stitches and the plastic surgery bill to prove it. White-faced capuchins seem to be even more territorial and aggressive than other monkey species. Ernie is very excitable, and when he gets wound up, he screams with delight and spins in circles, he is very animated. You can hear his delighted vocalizations from one end of the sanctuary to the other, especially when he gets his neighbor, Spanky, to join in the regale. Ernie and Hayley spend most of their days playing in their spacious habitat. They love to climb in the trees, swing from the ropes and play chase, hiding from each other in the barrels and buckets. Ernie's favorite game is throwing his food; he will throw it at Spanky and Bonnie, the monkeys in the habitat next door, as well as toss food at staff and volunteers as they pass.