G R E T E L 

Meet Gretel, a resilient senior cotton-top tamarin with a heart full of adventure.

Her journey to Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary began after the lab she spent the first nine years of her life in closed. Despite losing the use of her right forearm before arriving at Jungle Friends, she never lost her spirit.

Arriving at the sanctuary on April 22, 2015, Gretel quickly became a symbol of hope and perseverance. Initially, she appeared to be an exceptionally shy and quiet tamarin to her caregivers. However, this perception changed once she gained access to the outdoor areas. Gretel and her partner were pioneers, being the first duo to reach the end of their enclosure’s runways. Impressively, Gretel was the very first to venture into the outdoor habitat, astonishing everyone by boldly jumping from the edge of her enclosure into a nearby bush!

Her indomitable spirit shone through as she mastered climbing and exploration just as adeptly as her fellow monkeys. With every leap and bound, she defied the odds, proving that nothing could hold her back. While she remains reserved around humans, Gretel has consistently been one of the most daring adventurers among the Jungle Friends’ cotton-top tamarins.

Gretel's spirit doppelganger is Bethany Hamilton because both have shown incredible resilience and determination despite significant physical challenges. Just as Bethany returned to professional surfing after losing her arm, Gretel has mastered climbing and exploration, proving that nothing can hold her back.

Our beloved Gretel, always leading the way and showing us the true meaning of adaptability and strength.

Despite her age and a non-functional right forearm, she climbs and explores with the best of them.

A photo from her younger years. Gretel was the first to explore the outdoor habitat, astonishing everyone with her bravery.”