Larry’s journey to Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is part of a groundbreaking chapter in animal welfare. As one of 26 squirrel monkeys retired from FDA nicotine research, his story—and that of his troop—garnered national attention when CNN hailed their arrival as a historic moment. For Larry, it was the beginning of a peaceful new life far removed from the lab, surrounded by nature and friends.

At Jungle Friends, Larry has found his place as the loyal right-hand to Haz, a fellow squirrel monkey with a penchant for stirring things up. While Haz often takes center stage with his bold antics—like tossing food just to see what happens—Larry is always there to laugh along, playing the supportive role with his easygoing charm. Where Haz’s humor is sharp and mischievous, Larry’s is more gentle and good-natured, often stepping in to smooth over Haz’s chaos with an almost apologetic glance. It's as if he’s saying, “Sorry about my friend—he means well!”

Larry’s laid-back demeanor makes him the perfect foil to Haz’s wild energy. Together, they’re a dynamic duo, with Larry always ready to offer an encouraging smile or a chuckle, even when Haz’s hijinks take things a little too far. But underneath his role as sidekick is a monkey who’s not just a follower—Larry’s warmth, loyalty, and soft humor make him a standout in his own right.