Zumie arrived at Jungle Friends when she was just nine months old, part of a large group of capuchins rescued from a bankrupt roadside zoo. Human-reared and too

young to navigate the complexities of troop life, she struggled to reintegrate with the larger group at the zoo and was injured during a scuffle, arriving with a wounded foot that needed stitches. Even so, her bright spirit never wavered, and she healed quickly once she was finally safe.

Her rescue group included a nursing mother and infant, and although the transport team tried their best, the chaos of darting and capture led to a heartbreaking mix-up. The baby was mistakenly placed with the wrong female and arrived at Jungle Friends in critical condition. As the sanctuary staff bottle-fed and stabilized the tiny infant, now named Mochi, it was Zumie who stepped up with the sweetest kind of devotion. Alongside Monkers, who carried Mochi on her back, Zumie acted as a loving big sister, grooming him, comforting him, and helping him grow into a healthy, confident young monkey.

Today, Zumie still lives with Monkers, and the two remain an incredible caregiving team for any baby monkeys who need them. Whether she’s gently guiding a new youngster or racing through her habitat with playful enthusiasm, Zumie radiates kindness, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart. She’s a joyful adventurer who loves new toys, new treats, and, above all, new little ones to nurture.