Ethel's journey to Jungle Friends began with a twist. She was part of a group of capuchins rescued from a bankrupt roadside zoo, a mission that seemed straightforward at first. Among the group, there was a known nursing mother and infant, so it was believed to be a routine rescue of a family unit. However, things quickly became more complicated when three monkeys unexpectedly gave birth, despite assurances that all the males had been vasectomized! This surprise led to some quick adjustments, with the boys forming a bachelor group until their vasectomies were confirmed, and the new mothers and their babies kept separate for a time. Afterward, Ethel and the other females without babies were reintroduced to the single males.

Today, Ethel shares her space with Silly Willy, a dynamic duo in their own right. While she’s affectionate and often grooms him, Ethel remains the dominant one in their partnership. These two prefer the company of their own kind over humans, but their lively chatter can often be heard as they engage with their neighboring monkeys. In the sanctuary’s vibrant community, Ethel has found a place where her nurturing spirit and strong personality can truly shine.