This video shows how spider monkeys can use their tails just like an extra hand to pick things up that are too far away for their arms to reach.
I recorded this video at an incredible place I visited this past week. My friend and I were invited to the studio of Chilean needle felt artist, Cristi Almazan. Her studio happens to be on the premises of Primate Center Peñaflor , the one and only primate rehabilitation center in Chile.
Cristi's mother Elba founded the center 23 years ago when monkeys and chimps were exploited all over Chile as pets, street and performers and lab test subjects. Today, thanks almost completely to her and her organization's long struggle with the Chilean government, circuses and research institutions over many years, all of these practices, one at a time were outlawed in Chile. Today the center takes in all the illegally smuggled monkeys confiscated by police from across the country. Those that are sick or injured are treated and rehabilitated and all are trained and prepared to return to the wild: No matter where in the world their natural home may be. They have even successfully reintroduced chimps in Zambia. Jane Goodall herself has visited the Center multiple times and considers Elba a friend.
Today Cristi and her mother generously spent most of the afternoon treating us to lunch and introducing us to most of their 170 primate residents. During our conversations I learned that their family pays for the majority of the center's operating cost out of their own pockets with the rest coming from private donations. Despite the fact that the government has bestowed multiple awards on Elba for her humanitarian efforts, they have never given her organization a cent. To do so would acknowledge to the international community that Chile has an illegal primate trade problem.
I don't think I personally have ever met someone who was more deserving of the title "hero". She is a true inspiration and living proof that a few people can change the world for the better with enough love, courage and dedication. Please consider donating something to this vital and criminally underfunded organization. The website below is in English and Spanish. Be sure to check out photos from Jane Goodall's visits and look for the donations tab under "Menu" and then "More Information" (mas informacion).
www.centrodepri...
Негізгі бет Spider monkeys using their tails like extra hands
Пікірлер: 1