by Mike Graeber
These guys are Geoffroy’s Spider monkeys, the largest spider monkeys in the world. They live in remote areas of 
the jungle, where they move high into the trees. This makes them difficult to see in their natural habitat because they live in places that most people don’t want to go. However, you can see Chester and Festus here at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chester and Festus are here at the sanctuary, instead of in the jungle canopy that is their natural habitat because of illegal captivity and physical abuse. They were tied with a rope around their neck, to a post in the ground for twenty five years and all the teeth were pulled out of Festus’s mouth.
The natural life expectancy of these monkeys is about 30 years; this makes Chester and Festus too old, too
domesticated and too unequipped to ever make it back in the wild.
Even though both monkeys are now getting up in years, they are in great health and when they are feeling playful, they are so agile that they make Spider-man look like a clumsy oaf.
Great things are in store for our two spider monkeys. Deals are now being made to construct a new enclosure for Chester and Festus. One that will give them what they have been missing their whole lives: the experience of living in a big, beautiful tree. This tree will have ropes, platforms, and swings to keep them entertained. Also, included are a million dollar ocean view and room service twice a day. Heck, I might move in with them!
Come by Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and check out Chester and Festus and all the other amazing creatures that reside here, and always remember that when you find injured wild animals, call us; we can help!
