Rescued from a neglectful situation after their owner passed away, August marked the 2-year anniversary of our latest Macaque Monkey arrivals!
Arriving in late August 2022, Ozzy and Boomer have certainly not had the easiest life. When their lifelong owners passed away, Ozzy, Boomer and the many other animals in their home were left without care for a period of time.
Thankfully, local authorities were eventually able to step in to help find new homes for the animals. We received a call asking us to assist with the relocation of two macaque monkeys, Ozzy and Boomer, and several other animals. Of course, we immediately jumped into action, all too happy to help.
Boomer and Ozzy took up residence in our Monkey House at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge while the other animals were transferred to rescue partners for care.
Ozzy and Boomer both adapted to their new homes in very different ways
In their prior home, Boomer and Ozzy were hand-raised and kept in small crates indoors. They had no fresh air or sunshine and minimal enrichment.
Ozzy took all the new changes in stride and transitioned very easily into his new life! It was as if he’d always lived here! To know him now you would never guess that his earlier years had been traumatic. Oz is the happiest and friendliest monkey!
However, Boomer’s transition was not an easy one. Never having been outside, combined with the relocation, and not to mention the death of their former owners, Boomer was understandably very scared, timid, and confused.
Boomer needed extra time, patience, and love to heal
At first Boomer refused to leave the indoor portion of his enclosure, seemingly unsure and frightened of exploring the outdoors. When he saw our staff he would immediately back away and try to hide. Though our staff did our best to make him feel welcome and well-cared for, it was clear that Boomer would need some extra time and TLC to settle in.
Little by little Boomer became more comfortable in his new home. Each day he became a little more confident, eventually venturing outside to experience his first ray of sunshine, blade of grass, and breath of fresh air of his life. With patience, consistency, and lots of love from our staff he started to come of out his shell and we saw his personality blossom.
It’s safe to say Boomer now LOVES being outside. His new favorite place to hang out is atop one of the ledges in his outdoor enclosure. Boomer props his little feet up on his fence so he can watch the many Park visitors, bask in the sunshine, and munch on delicious bamboo leaves. It warms our heart to see him worry-free and enjoying life, knowing all he has had to overcome.
He quickly became a staff favorite, working his way into our hearts. We know that Boomer never has to know fear, uncertainty, or neglect ever again. With a lifelong home at Popcorn Park, Boomer knows he is safe and loved.
Ozzy is our social butterfly!
From day 1, Oz immediately took to our staff! He is so inquisitive, interactive, and friendly. As soon as he sees you he will sprint to the fence to say “Hello!” Despite never having stepped foot outside, Ozzy has developed a real love for the outdoors – preferring to hang out in the outdoor portion of his enclosure where he can greet all his visitors!
It took no time at all for Ozzy to realize that he was safe and loved at Popcorn Park. We can’t say enough good things about this sweet boy! Ozzy is just a joy to have around!
