Cuzco’s life began with an ordeal few could survive. In 2008, he and four other capuchins were illegally captured from the wild and packed into a wooden crate with no food or water, then shipped overseas to be sold. When Chinese officials discovered the shipment was undocumented, the entire crate was returned to Los Angeles, where Cuzco was found to be the only survivor. His resilience is nothing short of extraordinary.

The San Diego Zoo stepped in and cared for him for seven years, giving him the stability he desperately needed. But Cuzco was never comfortable around crowds, and his caregivers realized he would flourish in a quieter, more natural environment. That’s how he found Jungle Friends, arriving in 2015 to begin the peaceful, monkey-centered life he deserved.

Today, Cuzco is a completely transformed monkey: bright, playful, and wonderfully food-motivated. He is absolutely convinced that every human who walks past him is carrying snacks just for him, and he’ll eagerly reach out, hopeful for a treat. Edamame, peanuts, and crunchy nuts are his love language.

When he isn’t angling for snacks, Cuzco keeps himself busy tossing his favorite ball, hiding in the bamboo like a tiny capuchin ninja, and keeping a watchful eye over his monkey neighbors. After everything he endured, watching him enjoy his days with curiosity and confidence is nothing short of inspiring. Cuzco’s story is one of incredible survival, but it’s his goofy, snack-obsessed personality that truly wins hearts.