Tessa’s journey to Jungle Friends is a story of resilience and recovery. When her guardian first reached out for help, Tessa was in critical condition. Her blood sugar had skyrocketed to a dangerous 1120, she had lost nearly half her body weight, and she was barely responsive. With the guidance of Kari from Jungle Friends, her guardian began an intensive insulin routine and closely monitored Tessa’s condition. Slowly but surely, with regular insulin and a healthy diet, Tessa regained her strength, and her health improved enough for her to make the journey to the sanctuary.

Her guardian planned to stay with her during the initial transition to the sanctuary—a method that helps new arrivals, especially those with conditions like diabetes, where stress can cause glucose levels to spike. At first, Tessa seemed to be adjusting well, but after three days, when her guardian left, she was deeply upset.

The compassionate care staff at Jungle Friends stepped in, providing constant support and watching over Tessa day and night. They carefully weaned her off insulin and helped her become less dependent on human presence. Now, fully integrated into the sanctuary, Tessa is a picture of health and happiness. Her once sunken eyes are now bright and full of life as she plays and wrestles with the other monkeys, truly thriving in her new home.

And there’s one more thing about Tessa—she’s developed a real love for peanuts! These days, you’ll often catch her with fists and mouth full of her favorite snack, stuffing as many as she can at once. It’s a joy to see her so content, enjoying her peanuts with such enthusiasm, a delightful reminder of how far she’s come.