Cutis’s Routine of Taking Special Care of Newborn Monkeys Every Morning
In the lush heart of the rainforest, where the early morning mist still clings to the treetops and birds call out in a gentle chorus, Cutis begins his day with a deep sense of purpose. Every morning, before the sun fully rises, Cutis walks down a narrow path to the small animal sanctuary he helped build with his own hands. This sanctuary isn’t home to just any animals—it’s a refuge for orphaned and injured newborn monkeys. And caring for these fragile, wide-eyed creatures is more than just a task for Cutis—it’s his life’s mission.
Cutis, a soft-spoken man with a weathered face and kind eyes, has always had a deep bond with animals. But it wasn’t until a decade ago, when he stumbled upon a helpless infant monkey alone in the wild, that he found his true calling. Since then, he has dedicated every morning to nurturing and raising these vulnerable newborns, many of whom arrive at the sanctuary after being rescued from poachers or being abandoned.
His routine is as precise as it is tender. Cutis wakes at 5:30 a.m. each day, just as the forest begins to stir. By 6:00 a.m., he’s at the sanctuary gates, greeted by the faint rustling of tiny limbs and the soft coos and cries of his charges. The newborn monkeys, ranging in species from capuchins to marmosets, know his footsteps well. The moment they hear them, they begin to stir—some chattering excitedly, others simply watching with wide, trusting eyes.
The first thing Cutis does is check on each monkey individually. There are about twenty in his care at any given time, all under six months old. He walks slowly from one enclosure to the next, quietly whispering their names and softly stroking their tiny heads. He checks their temperature, ensures they’re breathing normally, and gently inspects for any signs of injury or discomfort. This morning check is not just about their physical well-being; it’s also a moment of emotional bonding. These monkeys, having lost their mothers, see Cutis as their parent.
Next comes feeding time—a delicate operation requiring both skill and patience. Most of the newborns are still on a formula-based diet. Cutis prepares a specialized milk blend using carefully measured ingredients that mimic their natural mother’s milk. He warms the milk to the perfect temperature, then takes each monkey into his arms, one by one, feeding them through a tiny syringe or bottle.
As they suckle, many clutch onto Cutis’s fingers or press their faces against his chest, seeking warmth and comfort. He sings softly as he feeds them—a quiet lullaby in a mix of his native tongue and playful monkey sounds. It’s in these moments that his love for the animals shines most brightly. He has no children of his own, but in many ways, he is a father to dozens.
After feeding, Cutis spends time stimulating each baby’s muscles and joints. Because they aren’t getting the same movement and exercise they would in the wild, he gently massages their limbs, helps them practice gripping, and encourages crawling and climbing. He has created small, safe jungle gyms using ropes, branches, and hanging toys, where the monkeys can play and build their strength under his watchful eye.
Hygiene is another important part of the morning routine. Cutis carefully cleans each enclosure, replacing bedding, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring the environment is free from insects or bacteria. The monkeys are then bathed with warm water and a gentle, non-toxic cleanser. Many of them enjoy the water, splashing around and clinging to Cutis when it’s time to dry off. He wraps them in soft towels, cradles them, and hums as he pats them dry.
Mid-morning is what Cutis calls “social time.” The monkeys are grouped by age and temperament and allowed to interact in a common play area. Cutis supervises closely, ready to step in if any aggressive behavior arises. But most of the time, the babies are more interested in tumbling around, mimicking each other’s movements, or climbing onto Cutis himself. He becomes a human jungle gym—covered in tiny fingers, tails, and curious eyes. Laughter fills the air, both monkey and man enjoying their time together.
Part of Cutis’s daily ritual also involves training and preparation for eventual release. While some monkeys are too young or injured to ever return to the wild, many are being rehabilitated for reintroduction. Cutis uses natural foods—fruits, leaves, and insects—to teach them foraging skills. He hides treats in small puzzles or in the bark of tree limbs to encourage problem-solving and mimic natural behavior.
Every action he takes is guided by love and science. Cutis has spent years studying primate behavior and working with veterinarians and wildlife experts. He keeps detailed records of each monkey’s progress, noting changes in appetite, behavior, and motor skills. He also communicates with wildlife rescue teams and sanctuaries across the country, coordinating transfers and ensuring each animal gets the best care possible.
By noon, the most intense part of the morning is over, and the babies are ready for their midday naps. Cutis gently rocks the youngest to sleep in blankets, while the older ones curl up together in hammocks and cozy nests. He hums softly, his voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves and the quiet chirping of birds. Once they’re asleep, he cleans up, prepares for the afternoon check-ins, and takes a brief moment to rest himself.
For Cutis, this routine is not tiresome—it’s sacred. He sees each baby monkey not just as an animal, but as a soul deserving of love, dignity, and protection. His mornings are filled with more than just feeding and cleaning; they are acts of devotion, moments of deep connection with the wild and its most innocent inhabitants.
In a world where wildlife often suffers from human greed and neglect, Cutis’s gentle hands and steady heart offer a rare glimpse of hope. His morning routine is a testament to what kindness, patience, and dedication can do. Through his daily actions, he is not just raising monkeys—he is healing wounds, rebuilding trust, and giving these tiny creatures a second chance at life.
