A new life

[Paul Saban]

Yesterday, Jenny and I went down to Panama City to meet with the Halit, The Director of the Summit Zoo. We were given a tour of the old and the new areas, much of which was disappointing but we did see a lot of animals that we hadn't seen before and we learned a bit, as I think she did. We are all animal people and conservationists so of course we have a lot in common. Paradise Gardens is not a zoo and so our main ideals are different, but we complement each other and the welfare of the birds and animals is the primary concern of all of us.

It is for that reason that the Zoo has asked us to take and raise a baby Howler Monkey, later preparing for its release back into the wild. We brought him home with us tonight and he is snuggled up in bed with Jenny who will be his surrogate mum for the next few months. His real mother dropped him when the troop was forced to move location quickly and although the 'finders' waited, the mother did not return for him so he was taken to the Summit. They know of our work and objectives here and that is why they have asked that he be raised with us.

'JJ' as we have named him, is a male Mantled Howler, just 2 weeks old and weighing only 300 grams. He has his eyes open but cannot really move about very much. He needs constant support and care and feeds every 2 hours day and night. At this delicate stage in his life, the general public will not be able to touch or hold him but visitors will be allowed to see him.
These babies are succeptible to viruses etc including the common cold.

All our other 'babies' are doing well, especially with the brief respite in the weather. Visitor numbers are down and food bills are going up but we keep smiling and we keep making progress. If you need somewhere to bring those visiting relatives and friends, try Paradise Gardens in the mornings - it looks so much better without the rain!!!

[Liz]

Paul, do you and J have a site to do donations online? If not, this may be something to set up to help in low season. You know how much people love your place and your babies.