Welcome to another wild EV update! From spider monkeys making friends to macaws finding their social wings, there’s never a dull moment. Hear how we’re tackling forest fires and farewells. Thanks for staying with us—and if you’re ready for hairier coworkers, we’ve got just the job for you!
Animals
After getting safely acquainted with the outside monkeys, it was time for our newest spider monkeys Taiga (young female), Saila (juvenile female) and Akuro (young male) to venture outside. Akuro and Saila have proudly taken on the role of Taika’s guardians. Perhaps in vain, as Taika has quickly made many friends who gladly carry her around on their backs.
The red-bellied Macaw, Papilo, was a bit nervous moving from Elmo’s front enclosure into the large one. But his rumbling belly took over and he flapped to the food table. It turns out he’s a social butterfly, chatting and munching away among the larger birds.
Amaya, young new large headed capuchin, now explores the outdoors daily with her guardian, Daytona, who eagerly shows her around. At night, she returns to her cozy enclosure, dreaming of more adventures to come!
A special thanks to the supporters of the German Association EV and everyone else who donated for making the new Anishka enclosure a reality. This space is designed for the rehabilitation and release of animals like otters, crab-eating raccoons, and turtles. While Caucho (giant river otter) awaits his transition to another rescue centre for further rehabilitation and eventual release, he can now enjoy this enclosure after his daily river adventures.
Susy Utzinger Orphan Animal Hospital
Otis, our charming male night monkey, is taking his time to recover from his knee injury—perhaps he enjoys the daily pampering from our devoted staff.
Almira, our resilient female woolly monkey, is experiencing good and bad days while continuing to fight for her health. Our dedicated team stands by her, along with our knowledgeable friend, veterinarian Philipp in Switzerland, who provides invaluable support.
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Samara, an adult female woolly monkey who graced us with her presence for eight years. Despite battling an aggressive parasite (Prosthenorchis elegans) and facing many ups and downs, she stood strong in her position as one of the alphas of her group. Recently, after exhibiting troubling symptoms, we rushed her to SUSTOAH, but tragically, she suffered a seizure and passed away in our arms. The necropsy revealed multiple health issues, underscoring the warrior spirit she demonstrated throughout her life.
Sadly, this news comes alongside further heartbreak. Ashuke, one of our beloved “Spider Boys,” wasn’t his usual playful self, missing his antics of dashing around and stealing shoes. We found him weak, drinking from the river and rushed him to the clinic, but despite our team’s best efforts, he also took his last breaths in our arms.
Quarantine
Quarantine has been relatively calm, with only a few birds awaiting space in outdoor enclosures. With the area almost empty, we were able to create more room for those still waiting. The six cobalt-winged parakeets—Mida, Zora, Ikra, Azu, Dana, and Feron—along with Mo, the white-winged parakeet, now have ample space to climb and hop, although it will take some time for their cut feathers to regrow before they can fly again.
The group of Amazon parrots, including Tingo and Minga (festive Amazons), Santiago (mealy Amazon), and Cusco, Eolus, Manwe, and Sucre (orange-winged Amazons), have been comfortably placed in adjoining rooms. Meanwhile, Lori, the white-eyed parakeet, and Huambu, the orange-winged Amazon parakeet, are enjoying the outdoor quarantine enclosure, Aguatena. Lori is quite the character—small but fiercely protective of her friend!
Volunteers & other
This month, we celebrated our dedicated permanent staff with games and a delicious barbecue at the Don Jorge Plantation. It was a great opportunity to appreciate their hard work and foster team spirit. Thank you to everyone who made the event memorable!
Deforestation for agriculture and illegal logging endangers countless species and ecosystems. The Amazon is ablaze, with smoky skies reminding us of the devastation. Urgent action is needed to protect this invaluable treasure and its wildlife. Authorities are on alert, and rescue centres are ready to assist distressed animals.
The fires now threatened Don Jorge’s plantation, which provides essential fruits and vegetables for EV’s animals. After receiving a timely warning, Douwe and Marlon spent the night there to prevent the fire from spreading. Sadly, some forest burned, but thankfully, the fruit trees remain untouched.
This month, we bid farewell to our dear veterinarian Carlotta. She is off to some adventures and has handed the rain over to Lucie. We are sure we will see Carlotta back here again—let’s see how long her next visit lasts! The entire team and all the animals you’ve helped thank you for your hard work and the smiles you brought to Esperanza Verde.
A candlelight picnic by the waterfall lifted our spirits, featuring freshly baked bread and delicious dips—lots of ‘Mmmms’ and ‘Ahhhhhs’ were heard. Cooling off is always a treat, so our volunteers returned once again to the Regalia waterfall for another unforgettable experience!
As our hopes for the future, we were thrilled to welcome the kindergarten children from Bello Horizonte to EV. Douwe and Olivia introduced them to the animals, sharing insights about their lives. The monkeys were a favourite but learning that tortoises have feelings was even more thrilling. Many mothers joined in, and we hope everyone had a fun, educational experience. A heartfelt thank you to their teacher, Natalia, for connecting your pupils with nature!
JOB ALERT!
Tired of endlessly tapping away at your keyboard? Do you want hairier colleagues? Come join us as our new Assistant Manager. We are looking for a former volunteer to take over this position from Arthur. It’s a paid position with a 1-2 year commitment. It’s a unique opportunity to dedicate yourself to an ethical cause and contribute to greater change. Sound interesting? Please contact us directly at info@esperanzaverdeperu.com to learn more. Thank you for being a part of the EV family!
Interested in volunteering and experiencing the beauty of Esperanza Verde yourself? Join us!
¡Hasta Proxima!