My Story

Cuzco's journey to Jungle Friends was incredibly difficult, spanning multiple continents. In 2008, he and his family were caught illegally in the wild. The group of five was then crammed into a wooden crate without any sustenance and airmailed to buyers in China. Due to their illegal capture and lack of proper documentation, they were denied entry by Chinese officials, who then sent the capuchins back to their last stop, Los Angeles. Upon arrival in the USA, it was discovered that Cuzco was the sole survivor of the ordeal.

Fortunately, the San Diego Zoo adopted Cuzco and cared for him for seven years. Noticing Cuzco's discomfort around large crowds, his zookeepers realized he would thrive better in a quieter setting, surrounded by monkeys rather than people. Jungle Friends offered exactly that kind of peaceful environment. Cuzco arrived there in September 2015. Though initially wary, he quickly became accustomed to his new home.

Despite his traumatic history, Cuzco is incredibly friendly and playful. He spends his days actively engaging with his surroundings, tossing his ball, camouflaging himself in bamboo plants, and enjoying his favorite snacks like edamame and hard-shelled nuts. He also enjoys socializing with his new monkey friends, and embraces the happiness and camaraderie of his life at Jungle Friends.

Cuzco's spirit doppelganger is Louis Zamperini. Zamperini was an Olympic athlete and World War II bombardier who survived being shot down, drifting at sea for 47 days, and enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war in Japan. His story, like Cuzco's, is one of incredible resilience and survival, ultimately finding peace and happiness despite a traumatic past.

From surviving a harrowing ordeal to thriving at Jungle Friends, Cuzco is a true warrior.

Despite his past, Cuzco's friendly and playful nature shines through.

A grape a day keeps Cuzco happy and playful!

 

Monkey Art is All the Rage!

Own a piece of monkey magic with a $100 donation! Here are some masterpieces crafted by Cuzco's artistic buddies.

Purchase Art

Morning Splash

By: Michael & Friends

Windswept

By: BamBam

Valhalla

By: Tessa