Meet Dharma and Darwin, two white-faced capuchins with a story as compelling as their expressive eyes. At 11 and 13 years old, respectively, they embarked on a journey from Michigan to the lush refuge of Jungle Friends on October 18, 2008. After enduring an 18-hour drive, the duo arrived at the sanctuary bright and early at 8 a.m., greeted not just by fresh air and freedom but also by the curious lenses of a film crew from *Inside Edition*. True to their newly acquired celebrity status, Dharma and Darwin were more than ready to leave behind the cramped quarters of their travel van for the spacious habitat that awaited them.

Darwin, ever the explorer, wasted no time inspecting every corner of his new home, declaring it perfect with his enthusiastic vocalizations. Dharma, on the other hand, took a more cautious approach. She lingered in the safety of her indoor enclosure, taking her time to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. But the sound of Darwin’s approval and his reassuring presence soon coaxed her out. It didn’t take long for her to join him, both monkeys finding comfort and courage in each other’s company—a far better way to face a new adventure than alone.

Their journey to Jungle Friends began years earlier with a human family who initially bought Darwin as a ‘surrogate child,’ opting for capuchin companionship instead of having human children. Realizing Darwin needed a friend of his own kind, they brought Dharma into their home, and for a while, all was harmonious. However, the household dynamics shifted with the arrival of two human toddlers. The once-manageable situation grew increasingly challenging as the monkeys' interactions with the children became unpredictable. A turning point came when their young son suffered a serious bite, forcing the family to make a heart-wrenching decision.

Determined to do right by both their human children and their beloved monkeys, they reached out to Jungle Friends. After a year of careful planning and preparing a new sanctuary home, Dharma and Darwin made their way to Florida. Here, in the tranquility of Jungle Friends, they found the space, peace, and companionship they needed to thrive.