Iris arrived at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary at the age of seven, bringing with her a talent for escape and a thirst for adventure. Purchased as a “pet” and left to live alone, Iris grew restless. She proved her knack for freedom when she orchestrated a bold escape, fleeing her cage and taking up residence in a Florida orange grove, where she enjoyed her brief taste of independence—complete with a lakeside view.

It was clear that Iris needed more than a cage; she needed space, companionship, and the opportunity to thrive. Since joining the Jungle Friends family, she has flourished in the company of her fellow monkeys, particularly her close companion, Fat Larry. The two have formed a strong bond, spending their days side by side, whether grooming each other or swinging through the trees in their shared habitat.

Iris’s talent for escaping, however, hasn’t faded with time. She still keeps the sanctuary staff on their toes, inspecting her enclosure with the eye of a seasoned professional. Once, she even managed to unravel a section of an old chain-link fence, proving she hasn’t lost her touch. But these days, she’s more content playing with her toys, foraging for treats, and enjoying her life with Fat Larry by her side.