A Chance to Belong
Wocky never asked for the journey that brought him here. According to information shared with Jungle Friends, he was captured in Mexico, smuggled into Texas, and sold into the exotic pet trade. He became part of a South Florida family, but a human home could not meet all his needs.
Following an escape, his family brought him unexpectedly to our gate. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials took custody of Wocky because his family lacked the required permit and asked us to accept him. How could we say no? His human, Dana, stayed for two weeks, helping him settle in without suddenly losing everyone he knew. Today, Wocky lives beside Emily, a survivor of illegal wildlife trafficking. Their playful interactions offer hope for companionship, although Wocky has sometimes bullied Emily. Introductions proceed carefully, giving both monkeys time and space to build trust. For now, Wocky is borrowing Mike and Molly’s winter bedroom. We hope to raise 15,000 for his own climate-controlled bedroom, connecting runways, and habitat modifications so he can remain here. After so many broken bonds, Wocky deserves security and a chance to belong. His story reminds us why monkeys need other monkeys—and why ending the exotic pet trade matters.