Mickey’s journey to Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary began after he was discovered by authorities, hidden away in a small wire cage in the dense woods of Louisiana. His days of solitude came to an end when he was brought to the sanctuary, but finding companionship wasn’t easy for this white-faced capuchin. Despite efforts to integrate Mickey with others of his kind, his interactions often ended in squabbles and tension.

Enter Ebi, a misfit weeper capuchin who was also struggling to fit in with the other monkeys. Mickey and Ebi’s paths crossed by a twist of fate, and these two ‘bad boys’ instantly hit it off. Their bond was immediate and genuine, turning them into best friends. The duo now spends their days wrestling and playing chase, bringing life and laughter to their expansive habitat.

Mickey’s zest for life extends beyond his friendship with Ebi. He’s a bundle of energy, always on the move, finding joy in the simplest of activities. Whether he’s tumbling inside his favorite barrel, entertaining himself with a ball, admiring his reflection in a mirror, or reveling in the sanctuary’s “monkey rain,” Mickey is always up to something. His signature move? A joyous display of clapping—throwing one leg in the air and slapping his hands together, often drawing the applause of the caretakers. Mickey seems to revel in the attention, basking in the admiration of his human audience.

From a lonely existence in a cage to a life filled with friendship and play, Mickey’s story is one of joy and the unexpected bonds that can form when you finally find where you belong.