Peanut, one of this year's released howler monkeys
Life is full of ups and downs - the Wildtracks Team were in Fireburn on Sunday (2/7/2016) and came across Peanut, one of this year's released howler monkeys, in a tree with a tayra above him. The two had obviously been fighting, and Peanut had several deep cuts, and was not fully using his right arm and leg. With the light fading, the Team were unable to catch him, so returned yesterday morning. He was located, caught and brought back to Wildtracks.
Once back at Wildtracks, he perked up despite his injuries, rehydrating, and eating banana and grapes, so we were optimistic that he would heal with quiet and time. It was therefore a shock to the whole Team this morning when Paul went to assess whether he would need to go through to the vet, to find that at some point during the night he had lain down on his blanket, and died in his sleep. The cause of death is likely to be blood loss and shock from the injuries.
We know that Peanut had a special place in the hearts of those volunteers who worked with him during the rehabilitation process - and they did great job. He has been successful in supporting himself in the wild for close to eight months, and apart from his very recent injuries, was in amazing shape. In literature, tayras have been reported to attack sub-adult males - and Peanut was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Peanut - we'll miss you....
Photograph by Fanny Tricone
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