Meet the Macaques – 31 stories of hope
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What happens when a monkey who’s never felt safe finally gets the chance to just be?
Last year, 31 macaques were rescued from Indonesia’s last known dancing monkey training centre. They arrived at the sanctuary anxious, underweight and unsure. But slowly, they’ve begun to heal.
They’re playing. Climbing. Choosing their favourite snacks. Watching the world go by from a sunny perch. And, for the first time, they’re showing us who they really are.
You helped make that possible.
Here are a few of the faces and stories you’re now a part of.
Unyil
Unyil is small, young and endlessly curious. He was taken from his mother as a baby and spent his earliest days alone and hungry. But now he’s learning what play feels like and what it's like to be a part of a family of monkeys.
He’s especially fond of crickets and enrichment toys, and the older monkeys already seem to be looking out for him. He’s finding his place, one step at a time.
Image courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network
Panjul
Panjul has a quiet sort of charm. He watches with wide eyes when his food arrives, especially if it’s corn or bananas. He hasn’t fully figured everything out yet, but you can see his confidence growing a little more each day.
Sometimes he’s bold, grabbing for fresh leaves. Other times, he hangs back. That’s okay. He’s getting there. And it’s a joy to witness.
Image courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network
Meli
Meli is calm and kind. She arrived dehydrated and sick but has been recovering well and didn’t need the dental surgery so many others did. These days, she spends most of her time grooming her best friend, Amel.
Meli doesn’t demand attention, but you can feel her presence in the quiet, comforting way she moves through the world. She’s one of the monkeys who helps others feel safe.
Image courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network
Amel
Amel is older, gentle and incredibly resilient. She spent six years performing on the streets, pulling a cart and riding a wooden bike. When she arrived, her body told the story. She was thin, bruised and fragile.
But now? She has space, rest and the warmth of her friend Meli by her side. She spends her days enjoying sunshine and food (she especially loves mangosteen and corn) and seems deeply content. She still needs care, but there’s a lightness about her now that wasn’t there before.
Image courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network
Help them keep going
Every monkey here has their own story. They’ve lived through things no animal should, but they’re writing new chapters now. And your kindness is woven into every one of them.
Some will go on to live wild and free. Others will stay at the sanctuary, surrounded by safety, care and community. Either way, they’re not alone.
There’s more healing ahead. With your support, these monkeys can keep growing stronger, making new friends and enjoying the peaceful lives they deserve.
All images, including banner, courtesy of Jakarta Animal Aid Network.