Roccita was born on 26th June 2011, and is a member of The Monkey Sanctuary’s only natural family group of capuchins.

The group were living at an animal care college in the UK, but by 2012, it had become apparent to the college that capuchin monkeys, as they are wild animals, are unsuitable for students to gain hands-on animal care experience with and The Monkey Sanctuary was asked to rehome them all.

Initially assumed to be male, when the family group arrived in March 2012, a vet check revealed that she was, in fact, female.

Roccita was so young at the time of her arrival that she was still nursing from, and often riding on the back, of her mother.

Roccita was born into a high ranking and privileged position within capuchin society which has given her an advantage over some of the other monkeys who arrive here.

As she has grown and matured, Rocci has gained in confidence and independence, and has learnt all about the incredibly complex and important rules of the society she is living in. She is a feisty monkey who isn’t afraid to put anyone in their place if they annoy her!

Now an adult, Roccita is a resourceful and strong monkey who keeps her family on their toes – and often rules the roost!