Rachel’s journey to Jungle Friends took an unexpected turn when she arrived with a group of capuchins rescued from a bankrupt roadside zoo. She had been living in a crowded enclosure with 24 other capuchins. Initially, it seemed like a straightforward rescue; the group was believed to include a nursing mother and infant, and they all shared a single habitat. However, things quickly became more complicated when Rachel and two other monkeys unexpectedly gave birth! Despite previous assurances that all the males had been vasectomized, it became clear that wasn't the case.

To prevent any further surprises, the males were separated into a bachelor group until they could undergo vasectomies. Meanwhile, Rachel, her baby Skittles, and Aunt Monica were moved into a separate habitat, where they could safely care for the newborn. With Monica’s support, Rachel has thrived as a mother, giving Skittles the nurturing and attention she needs.

Thanks to Rachel’s excellent mothering, Skittles has developed beautifully and shows none of the stereotypical behaviors often seen in monkeys raised in captivity, such as rocking, digit-sucking, or self-grasping. Together, Rachel, Skittles, and Aunt Monica form a loving, close-knit family, enjoying their peaceful life at Jungle Friends, where they can live in safety and harmony.