Zumie’s journey to Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary began at just nine months old when she was rescued from a bankrupt roadside zoo alongside a group of other monkeys. Having been human-reared, Zumie struggled to reintegrate with the larger monkey group at the zoo, resulting in a wounded foot that required stitches. Though her injury looked serious, Zumie’s resilient spirit shone through, and she healed quickly.

The rescue effort wasn’t without its challenges. To capture the monkeys for transport, the local animal team had to resort to darting, which included a nursing mother and her infant. The story took a heartbreaking turn when the mother, waking from anesthesia during the long drive, was reported to have rejected her baby. However, after reviewing the documentary *Wild Animal Repo*, it became clear that the mother and her baby were likely separated during the capture, and the infant was mistakenly placed in a kennel with the wrong female. By the time the thousand-mile journey to Jungle Friends was over, the infant was nearly dead. 

Sanctuary staff stepped in to provide immediate care, bottle-feeding and tending to the baby’s needs. But it was Zumie who truly rose to the occasion, stepping in as a loving big sister to the infant, whom they named Mochi. Another monkey from the group, Monkers, took on the role of carrying Mochi on her back, and with this nurturing care, Mochi thrived. 

Today, Zumie is known for her sweet nature and love of adventure. She enjoys exploring her surroundings, climbing trees, and swinging through her habitat with grace and joy. And if there’s one thing Zumie loves, it’s presents—whether it’s a new toy or a tasty treat, she’s always eager to see what surprises are in store. As a big sister to another young monkey, Dylan, Zumie has shown the same nurturing spirit, proving that her heart is as big as her playful personality.