Wild Futures Welcomes its New Arrival Baby Billy!
Wild Futures, the charity based at The Monkey Sanctuary near Looe, Cornwall has a new addition, a 2 year old capuchin monkey named Billy.
The capuchin has been through a major ordeal in recent months: He was smuggled into the UK illegally, approximately 18 months ago and then lived in a London flat. Fortunately, he was reported to the police and subsequently confiscated and put into quarantine 4 months ago.
Sadly, Billy cannot be released back into the wild and so the best place for him is The Monkey Sanctuary Looe, Cornwall where he will be given the best quality of care and life possible.
Before arriving at The Monkey Sanctuary, Billy underwent a series of medical checks. So far these have given him the all clear and when the last of the results are in, his integration with the other capuchin monkeys will begin, when hopefully he will learn to love his new family.
Rachel Hevesi, Director of Wild Futures stated: “Already Billy is settling in extremely well. He has been busy playing and enjoying his new space. He has been talking to the other capuchins and you can see they are very interested in him. Hopefully, because he is a young monkey, his integration into a social group will be easier because he will not be seen as a threat.”
Today Hayley Dann, who joined Wild Futures 2 weeks ago as Head of Income Generation and PR adopted Billy as her first monkey adoption. She stated: “Billy is absolutely adorable and you can see already how happy he is to be here. It is a joy considering the ordeal he has experienced. I am looking forward to seeing how he integrates with the other capuchins over the coming weeks.”
Supporters will be able to meet Billy when The Monkey Sanctuary opens from 1st April 2012 onwards. Opening times all year are on the website www.monkeysanctuary.org. For anyone who wishes to adopt Billy, please visit www.adoptamonkey.org
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Notes to Editors
The Monkey Sanctuary Information
Telephone: 0844 272 1271
Opening Times:
April to end of October – 11.00am – 4.30pm every Sunday – Thursday, closed Friday and Saturday (although there will be additional open days throughout the year, check the website for more information www.monkeysancutary.org).
Wild Futures (Charity reg. No. 1102532) is an educational and environmental charity promoting the welfare and conservation of primates, and working to end the abuse of primates in captivity. Its flagship project, The Monkey Sanctuary, in Cornwall, is home to victims of the primate pet trade. Drawing on over 40 years of primate expertise, Wild Futures acts as an advisory body to sanctuaries and conservation organisations in the UK and overseas and advises DEFRA on UK animal welfare legislation.
For more information or further pictures contact:
Hayley Dann, Head of Income Generation and PR
+44 (0) 844 272 1271