Monday, September 15, 2008

Camp duty gets "mono congo"



Not as nasty as it may first sound, but almost equally as worrying, mono congo is the local name for the mantled howler monkey (Allouata palliata). Last Saturday morning saw an unusual turn of events in which a young male (estimated at around four months old) was brought to the station by a local who had found it, injured and parentless.

On arrival to the station Conguito (following the Costa Rican tradition of adding “ito/ita, ico/ica” to the end of any word to denote smallness or fondness) was severely dehydrated, cold and almost lifeless. Base Manager Dave, and EM Alex were the only two awake on base when the injured charge arrived, carrying out the morning camp duties. The pair swaddled the young monkey and began a long process of rehydration, whilst Country Director Rebeca began calling upon every contact she knew of.

After many phone calls, Rebeca managed to secure a permit of transport from MINAET and a place for Conguito at a rehabilitation centre called Zoo Ave in Alajuela, where four other howlers infants were being prepared for pre-release.

Rebeca and Dave met in Cariari, where the crate containing the precious bundle was transferred. After a long journey back to the capital and arrival at Zoo Ave, the howler again became lethargic and was given additional fluids. He was monitored closely and cared for by dedicated staff at the rehabilitation centre.

Unfortunately, Conguito passed away two days later due to internal bleeding and pulmonary oedema. This is apparently commonly seen in instances where the mother is electrocuted by power cables and falls to the ground with her infant on her back, although it remains unknown how his mother died.

We would like to thank all those who came together to try and help, and to all those helping to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild at Zoo Ave.

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