We recently welcomed two Andean night monkeys to the island, Ninfa and Amber, who were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. These beautiful, big-eyed primates arrived with the help of SERFOR and UPA, after being confiscated by authorities.
Andean night monkeys, also known as Peruvian night monkeys, are among the rarest and least-known Neotropical primates. Their large, luminous eyes are perfectly adapted for nocturnal life, allowing them to navigate and forage in near-darkness -a remarkable trait among primates. Sadly, the illegal pet trade has stripped many of them of their natural behaviours, leaving these nocturnal creatures awake and vulnerable during the day.
When Ninfa arrived at La Isla de los Monos, it was clear she had been kept in unnatural conditions. Instead of being active at night, as is normal for her species, she was awake during the day – a heartbreaking reminder of the damage captivity inflicts on wildlife.
Shortly after, we received Amber, another Andean night monkey who had also been kept as a pet in the city of Iquitos. After careful vet checks and a quarantine period, Amber was introduced to Ninfa. The process was slow and deliberate, ensuring both monkeys had time to adjust to their new environment and each other.
Today, Ninfa and Amber are thriving together on the island. During a recent late-afternoon check, we were thrilled to find them sleeping -a natural nocturnal behaviour they would have in the wild. Moments like this remind us why our work is so important.
Andean night monkeys are listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN and are classified as endangered under Peruvian law. These designations highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect them. Despite their legal status, they are frequently targeted by traffickers who exploit them for the exotic pet trade or as bushmeat.
According to recent studies, the illegal trade of night monkeys is particularly prevalent in the tri-border area of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, where traffickers operate under weak enforcement and high demand. This trade not only threatens the survival of these species but also undermines conservation efforts and the delicate ecosystems of the Amazon.
The illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion-dollar industry, valued at up to $20 billion annually by Interpol. It pushes countless species, including Andean night monkeys, closer to extinction. In the Amazon, traffickers exploit gaps in enforcement to capture and sell these animals, often under the guise of legality.
Night monkeys are particularly vulnerable due to their nocturnal habits, making them easier to catch at night when they are most active. The consequences are devastating – not just for the individual animals but for the ecosystems they inhabit.
Despite these challenges, collaborative efforts like those between SERFOR, UPA, and La Isla de los Monos offer hope. By rescuing and rehabilitating animals like Ninfa and Amber, we’re not only giving them a second chance but also shining a spotlight on the urgent need to combat wildlife trafficking.
At La Isla de los Monos, we are committed to providing rescued animals with a safe and natural environment. Ninfa and Amber now live in the island’s forested areas, where they can exhibit their natural behaviours and gradually heal from their past traumas.
While it’s always heartbreaking to receive animals who have suffered at the hands of traffickers, it’s deeply rewarding to watch them rediscover their instincts and thrive in a protected space.
You can make a difference in the fight against wildlife trafficking. By supporting organisations like La Isla de los Monos, you help us provide sanctuary, care, and a second chance for animals like Ninfa and Amber.
Together, we can combat the illegal wildlife trade and work towards a future where species like the Andean night monkey are no longer at risk.
