Cercopan

by Sam Trull

One of our most playful, fun-loving, and kind-hearted monkeys died last night.  Regiy was a three year-old putty-nosed monkey living in a group with 4 others.  He was often seen playing with his best friend in the group, Cross, taking turns jumping on each other or swinging on a rope.  One of my favorite monkeys to visit, Regiy always greeted me with a play gesture; turning around sticking his bottom high up in the air and then trying to pull my fingers through his legs so he could wrestle with them.  He would then proceed to pounce up and down on my hand with such intensity, that you would think I was the most fascinating toy he had ever encountered.  After a minute or two of greeting me, he would go back to playing with Cross as monkeys clearly have more fun with other monkeys.    

Regiy

Having arrived at CERCOPAN when just an infant, Regiy’s story is like so many other orphaned monkeys here at CERCOPAN.  His mother was shot a killed for the bush meat trade then he was ripped from her lifeless body and stranded in a market to be sold for a profit.  Even though Regiy’s life was short, he was at least one of the lucky ones.  He has spent the past three years playing, grooming, eating, and sun-bathing amongst other monkeys.

 Regiy with best friend Cross - always insepearable 

Just few minutes ago, I decided to take a walk outside.  I wanted to see how Cross was doing.  I wanted him to know that I too, was sad to see our friend go.  I started walking up to the enclosure and from a distance I could see Cross, next to the wire, sitting by himself.  I instantly felt bad for him as I wondered if he had been bored all morning, having lost his favorite playmate.   Stepping closer to him, we made eye contact and in that moment I think he knew why I was there.  Having placed my fingers next to the wire to say hello, Cross took one more glance at me then turned around.  As he then began to lift his bottom, like a wire was attached from his waist to the sky; I smiled at the hilarity of his posture and of course, I smiled for Regiy.