Marvin 1985 - 2009

Marvin was an elderly weeper capuchin who joined Jungle Friends in the spring of 2005. He was missing quite a bit of hair, was severely underweight and had dental problems (one canine protruded out at a 45-degree angle to normal). On the positive side, Marvin was very friendly with an inquisitive and even-tempered personality.

Much of Marvin's history was unknown. He was in an abusive situation and was so emaciated that the veterinarians delayed his vasectomy while they were taking care of his dental problems. They decided not to remove the protruding canine as it was a healthy tooth. We thought it just gave Marvin character. It did not seem to deter Lucy, a female weeper, from making a 'love connection' with Marvin. They started flirting, playing and even grooming each other almost immediately.

On April 2, Marvin left us. He had been diagnosed with cancer about 8 months earlier. Marvin lived longer than the vets anticipated and continued to enjoy life to the end. One morning, Marvin did not come out when breakfast was being served. Ashlei called me when she found him curled up indoors and unresponsive. I could tell that he was ready to leave this life for the next. Lucy, Marvin's companion, was beside herself. She shrieked at us, letting us know that our intrusion was not welcome. I don't think Lucy wanted to share the little time she had left with Marvin with the likes of us, so we left them alone to say their goodbyes.

Marvin and Lucy had so many good times together; they were such show-offs! Marvin would chase Lucy around and then Lucy in turn would chase him. They would climb the trees and swing on the ropes as easily as any of the younger monkeys -- the horrible abuse they both suffered was soon forgotten when they joined our Jungle Friends family.