Colombia Rehab Center Uses Toy Mom for Orphaned Monkey
Why this is here: The rehabilitation center uses post-release tracking to monitor how well the monkeys integrate with wild groups after returning to the forests.
An orphaned baby grey titi monkey is receiving care at a wildlife center near Medellín, Colombia. The infant was found alone near Rionegro in early March. Staff at the Barbosa center are using a soft toy to provide comfort and simulate parental care.
The monkey is currently being bottle-fed and monitored for health. Caregivers are slowly introducing the young primate to other monkeys in a controlled environment.
Officials expect to release the endangered grey titi monkey back into the forests of Magdalena Medio within one to two weeks. They will release it when the monkey can independently find food. Deforestation and illegal trade threaten the species, which is native to Colombia.