CB 1985 - 2018

CB was captured in the rainforest as a youngster -- was stolen from his native home and from his family. CB was exported to the US where he was sold into research for iron toxicity studies. CB lived for nearly two decades alone in the lab. Fortunately, after the research ended, CB and eight other capuchins were retired to Jungle Friends. Here at Jungle Friends, they enjoyed large, naturalistic outdoor habitats. CB appeared to be very intense, he always seemed so serious even as he climbed and jumped from tree to tree, constantly exploring. CB was an accomplished forager and spent much of his day searching the ground for tasty tidbits. CB had the companionship of another monkey, Wanda and they were a perfect match! They groomed, slept together and they were even seen playing with each other. We consider the 'play state' the highest state a primate can achieve, human primates included. CB thoroughly enjoyed life at Jungle Friends.

Memorial by Kelli, caregiver at Jungle Friends: 

Cowboy came to Jungle Friends from an iron-toxicity study and had spent a good portion of his life in a laboratory setting undergoing rather unpleasant testing, but thanks to places like Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, he was able to live out his final years outside in the fresh air with his monkey companions. Recently though, Cowboy started showing signs that he didn't have much time left and was moved to our geriatric/hospice complex called Jody's Wellness Jungle and then finally to our on-site Bob Barker Medical Clinic. On Saturday 8/13/18 before I left work that night, I went to say goodbye to Cowboy, I worried he wouldn't make it through the night. In his eyes, even though I could see he was tired, I also saw gratitude. Grateful to me and to Jungle Friends for giving him an almost wild monkey's paradise to live out the rest of his life. Our silent conversation, communicated only through eye contact, told me that the difficult and tiring work that I do, all the days I've worked through the Florida heat and rain, and all the extra hours I've stayed, makes a difference to these monkeys." Working with animals is often called a thankless job, but I don't think that's true. Cowboy assured me the night before he left us that what I do is appreciated and that my hard work, my literal blood sweat and tears, don't go unnoticed. I am thanked and appreciated everyday for what I do. It may not always be expressed through spoken words, but one look from the monkeys says it all."  Rest in Peace sweet Cowboy