A touching yet sad moment unfolded today when newly rescued monkey Mundo, recently abandoned by humans, tried to connect with another ex-pet monkey, Lory—only to be harshly rejected.
Mundo arrived at the sanctuary confused but hopeful. Still adjusting to his new surroundings, he showed signs of trauma but also a strong desire for social connection. When he saw Lory—another monkey who had once been kept as a pet—he approached gently, lowering his head and offering soft vocalizations, a clear sign of submission and a plea for acceptance.
But Lory didn’t respond kindly. She screeched, lunged forward, and pushed Mundo away aggressively. Mundo froze, then backed off quickly, visibly shaken. His body language changed instantly—shoulders slumped, tail low, and eyes filled with confusion and sadness. He sat alone in the corner, rejected and unsure where he belonged.
This painful interaction is not uncommon among rescued monkeys. Many ex-pet primates struggle with socialization due to their disrupted upbringing. Lory herself likely carries emotional scars from her past and doesn’t yet know how to trust—or welcome—newcomers.
Caregivers were quick to comfort Mundo, providing food, a soft blanket, and time with staff to rebuild his confidence. Steps will now be taken to carefully reintroduce him in a slow, supervised way to other monkeys more open to bonding.
