TikTok viewers are sobbing over a heartbreaking video of rescuers pulling a baby monkey from her deceased mother.
The team at International Animal Rescue in Nosara, Costa Rica, saved this baby monkey named Estrellita after her mother, Mama Maria, was electrocuted by uninsulated power cables. Estrellita was hanging onto her mother's back when the incident occurred and suffered severe burns.
The October 18 clip, which was posted to TikTok account @int.animalrescue, shows the rescuers pulling Estrellita from her mother and attaching her to a stuffed animal toy. The rescue center's team of expert vets and keepers will be watching over Estrellita during her lengthy recovery.
Baby howler monkeys are known to cling to their mother's backs, which is what Estrellita was doing when the death occurred. PR and Communications Manager Lis Key told Newsweek that it is traumatizing when these babies are separated from their mothers. That is why the team needed to use a stuffed animal to help ease the transition.
"The stuffed animal is used to replace the warmth and softness of her mother," said Key. "So the soft toy offers babies like Estrellita the comfort of something soft to cling to. It is a method that we have also used with great success with baby orangutans in Borneo."
Estrellita is doing well despite the burns she endured, but her rehabilitation will be a long one, Key explained. The center has a team of local woman who provide the animals in an extreme state of shock, like Estrellita, round-the-clock care. Her condition could change at any moment. Many of these monkeys who experience similar incidents will suffer internal damage, but that might take weeks or months to detect.
The reality is that incidents like Estrellita's is nothing new for the women, as they receive hundreds of calls each year from the public to respond to similar situations. Once a call comes in, International Animal Rescue will go to the location with special equipment to rescue any survivors and remove those who have perished from the cables or transformers.
International Animal Rescue has treated over 350 wildlife casualties in 2023. Of those animals, 107 have suffered electrocution, Key said. A major reason linked to these incidents is the increase of urban development. Key explained that as more trees are cut down, the more animals rely on cables or roads to get to their destinations.
Stop the Shocks
To help with the hundreds of animals affected by the power cables each year, the International Animal Rescue team has implemented a program called "Stop the Shocks."
"Working with local electricity providers and authorities, we are insulating power lines and transformers, trimming trees and creating rope bridges," said Key. "This prevents electrocutions and ultimately saves lives."
What the Comments Say
Viewers are stunned by this heartbreaking video, sharing their condolences and sending their best wishes for the monkey's recovery.
"Omg poor mommy, poor baby. This is heartbreaking. Thank you for saving the baby," wrote TikTok user @moonbabe88.
Another user added: "So sad, at least they are trying to help despite the injuries."
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