No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeCosta Rican Howler Monkey Ome on the Road to Recovery

Costa Rican Howler Monkey Ome on the Road to Recovery

I arrived at Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary in a critical condition, the victim of a vicious dog attack that left me fighting for my life. The assault had inflicted severe injuries on my small body, including a perforated chest, a collapsed lung, and six broken ribs. By the time I reached the sanctuary, I was also dangerously dehydrated, teetering on the brink of survival.

Thankfully, fate had other plans for me. The skilled and compassionate Dr. Irena took charge of my case, working tirelessly to stabilize my condition. Her expertise and quick action were crucial in those first critical hours. I underwent a grueling two-hour surgery, a procedure that would mark the beginning of my long and challenging road to recovery.

Each day since that harrowing experience has been a testament to my will to survive. With the dedicated care of the Sibu team, I’m growing stronger by the day. They’ve been by my side through it all – administering medication, changing bandages, and providing the nurturing environment I need to heal both physically and emotionally.

As I recover, I’m rediscovering the joys of being a monkey. My appetite has returned with a vengeance, and I’ve developed quite a taste for the juicy mangoes and refreshing watermelon that the caregivers offer. These fruity treats not only nourish my body but also lift my spirits, reminding me of the sweet life that awaits me in the jungle.

Speaking of spirits, I’ve found a ray of sunshine in my new best friend, Kintu. Despite my injuries, Kintu has been a constant companion, offering comfort and playful distraction during my recovery. Our friendship has been a crucial part of my healing process, helping me regain the social skills I’ll need when I return to the wild.

The team at Sibu has assured me that one day, when I’m fully healed and strong enough, I’ll be released back into the lush Costa Rican jungle where I belong. Until then, I’m focusing on getting better each day, enjoying my fruity feasts, and cherishing the companionship of Kintu and my human caretakers.

My journey from near-death to recovery is a testament to the incredible work done at Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s sanctuaries like these that give injured and orphaned animals like me a second chance at life in the wild.

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary

SIBU’s mission is to rescue injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals and provide them immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the wild. When the animals are determined to be strong, healthy and old enough to be re-integrated into the jungle they begin a step-down release program. Animals unlikely to survive in the wild receive a permanent enriching habitat for their life-term care.

Trending Now

Vaping Sends More Costa Rican Teens to the Doctor as New Rules Wait Until 2027

Four out of every 10 medical consultations for vaping-related disorders recorded in Costa Rica last year involved patients between the ages of 10 and...

Costa Rica Braces for Higher Fuel Prices as Oil Climbs Back Above $100

Global oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel this week, and the increase is on course to reach Costa Rica's gas stations within...

US Open Celebrates Hispanic Heritage During 2026 Quarterfinals

The US Open is putting Hispanic and Latin American tennis in the spotlight today with its annual Hispanic Heritage celebration at the USTA Billie...

Route 1 at Cambronero Closed for up to Two Months After Bridge Damage

If your drive west runs through Cambronero, plan on going another way for a while. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport says the...

Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Is Drying Despite Heavy Rain

Monteverde remains one of Costa Rica’s wettest places, receiving more than 2,500 millimeters (98 inches) of rain a year. Yet scientists are finding signs...

Tico Time and Why Life in Costa Rica Doesn’t Always Run on Schedule

I don't want to hear about Tico Time. Where did that expression even originate? It has been around for at least the 35 years...

Costa Rica Heads Into Peak Hurricane Season Without a Single Hurricane

The Atlantic has reached the second week of September without a single hurricane. That has not happened in a very long time, and forecasters...

Panama Canal May Restrict Ship Traffic as El Niño Worsens

Panama Canal administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta says further cuts to daily ship transits remain possible as El Niño worsens drought and strains water supplies.

Remembering September 11 From Costa Rica 25 Years Later

From a cantina in Quepos to stunned phone calls home, an American expat recalls watching September 11 unfold from Costa Rica and realizing the world had changed.
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel