Story of Rescued Orphaned Monkey Shows Why These Animals Belong in the Wild – Not Homes

It’s always fascinating to see wild animals. Whether we’re marveling at beautiful birds, watching baby chimps swing their hearts out, or grinning at the sight of sloths, it’s amazing to get a glimpse into the lives of our fellow Earth inhabitants. Some people are so infatuated with the idea of getting close to wild animals, that they decide they simply must adopt one for themselves.

The problem with taking in a wild animal is that most people are not equipped with the necessary knowledge to feed, care for, and house their new exotic pets. As a result, these animals are often malnourished, exhibit stress symptoms, and sometimes even die.

Acquiring animals from the illegal wildlife trade is unfortunately extremely common in places around the world. Thailand, in particular, has seen the population numbers of certain species drop due to this illicit trade, habitat degradation, and hunting. One endangered species in Thailand is the dusty langur, which is currently considered “Near Threatened.”

Just recently, animal rescue center Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) acquired a baby dusty langur from a group of people who bought the monkey as a pet just ten days prior.  

The baby monkey, named Pangpond, was very sick upon arrival and had been vomiting constantly under his new guardians’ care. The group wanted WFFT to treat their pet and allow the langur to return home with them. 

Knowing that these people were not equipped to care for this animal, WFFT agreed to treat the animal but insisted that the baby langur stay in their care. After some reluctance, the people agreed. 

Based on their experience, WFFT believes it’s most likely that Pangpond’s mother was killed by poachers and then Pangpond was sold off to the illegal wildlife trade.

Since the group who purchased Pangpond had been feeding him a completely incorrect diet, WFFT’s vet team has been providing the sick monkey with around-the-clock care. 

While this baby langur will likely never have a normal life, we are glad that he is at least safe and sound in the knowledgeable care of WFFT. 

Only time will tell whether WFFT will be able to reverse the effects an incorrect diet has had on this poor baby langur. Regardless of the outcome, let Pangpond serve as a reminder that animals belong in the wild, not in homes! This species is already on enough of a decline with habitat degradation and poaching, the last thing anyone should be doing is taking them out of their natural habitat just to have them in close proximity. To learn more about Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, visit their website.

All Images Source: Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand/Facebook