Cindy may not be the first to greet you, but that’s only because she knows exactly who her circle is, and she values them deeply. Raised by monkeys, not humans, Cindy grew up with the rare gift of maternal care in a sanctuary setting, and it shows. She’s calm, grounded, and wonderfully well-adjusted, with none of the anxious behaviors often seen in monkeys without that early bond.

Her arrival into the world was as unexpected as it was welcome. Cindy was born at Jungle Friends to Michelle, a capuchin rescued from a roadside zoo. At the time, all the males were believed to have been vasectomized, but Cindy (and two other surprise babies) quickly proved otherwise. After that, sanctuary staff quickly rearranged habitats, giving mother Michelle and Aunt Nell a calm space to raise baby Cindy.

From day one, Cindy’s life has been full of monkey role models, and it’s made her strong and sure of herself. These days, she lives with her longtime companion, Fast Tony, and the two are inseparable. She may keep her distance from most people, but her affection for Tony runs deep. She’s a fiercely devoted partner and a steady presence in their shared home.

With a gentle heart, an independent streak, and a quiet confidence that speaks volumes, Cindy is a shining example of what life can look like when a monkey is given the chance to grow up just as nature intended.