Stephanie was confiscated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service after a major federal investigation into illegal breeding and trafficking on the Dark Web. She was one of eight monkeys rescued on March 31, 2025. Her arrival was especially exciting for Jungle Friends, as she became only our third golden-handed tamarin to join the sanctuary.

Laid-back and easygoing, Stephanie is comfortable around people and is known for being a good eater. She’s partial to cherries, but she’ll happily snack on just about anything.

Stephanie is endlessly curious. She loves watching everything going on around her, whether it’s her caregivers or her monkey neighbors. In her short time here, she has amazed us with her quick ability to copy and mimic calls, especially those of her then neighbor and now inseparable partner, Elsa, a female cotton-top tamarin.

Stephanie is enjoying the joys of sanctuary life. She can often be spotted relaxing with Elsa or racing through her outdoor habitat to soak up as much sunshine as possible.