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The animal world in a world of humans

In general, the way our societies have developed -with an increasingly urban
distribution as well as in our animal and energy consumption patterns- has had and
continues to have an impact on nature and animal populations. It is estimated that
we have wiped out more than 75% of these populations worldwide, which means
that more than half have been reduced in the last 50 years. In Latin America, the
situation is even more critical, as we have lost close to 90%, which means that it is
the region that has lost the most animals in half a century.

Only a quarter of the planet's surface is free from the impact of human activities,
and projections for the year 2050 show that barely 10% will not be affected by our
excessive consumption.

Our planet is running out of animals and very few of us are aware of this sad
reality. It is necessary that, in one way or another, we all take actions to stop these
alarming figures that will lead us to a planet without animals.

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The great enemy of animal populations

-       Deforestation: according to Carlos Nobre and Thomas Lovejoy, two of the world's
leading experts on the Amazon. The advancing destruction of the Amazon is
pushing the ecosystem to a point of transformation with no return, where it would
lose its ability to function. In 2018 and 2019, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru were among
the five countries that lost the most forests worldwide, according to the
international organization Global Forest Watch. In 2019, the Amazon lost more
than 1.7 million hectares of primary forest, according to data produced by the
University of Maryland's monitoring system, published by Global Forest Watch.

If you are wondering what is found in one hectare of the Amazon, here are the
estimated values:

310 trees                           33 amphibians                               

96 plants                           22 reptiles

10 primates                      44 fish 
160 birds                           1 billion invertebrates

Source: estimates compiled by Jos Barlow of Lancaster University and the

Sustainable Amazon Network based on scientific studies.

"Every hectare deforested means that one part of the ecosystem stops functioning,
and that affects everything else," says researcher Erika Berenguer, a rainforest
expert at the University of Oxford, UK, and Ras, for BBC News World: "It is
important to understand that primary forests are home to trees that may be
hundreds or even thousands years old".

Trees serve a more powerful function than we can imagine. They act as a huge
reservoir of carbon dioxide.

What happens if we lose the forest?

If deforestation continues to increase - as research shows - the Amazon could

cease to function as a tropical ecosystem. Nowadays, just over 18% of the entire
original Amazon rainforest has been destroyed, according to data from the
Mapbiomas monitoring project, a partnership between universities, NGOs,
institutes across the Amazon and Google.

Some things we can do to help:

- Learn more about forests and their value.

- Share the information learned on social media to educate, as well as inspire

others to be part of the change.

- Join in supporting organizations that work for the benefit of forest restoration.

It is important that we understand that deforestation causes great loss of habitat for
many animal populations. For this reason, if we do not make a change quickly,
many animals will only be able to survive in captivity, in animal care centers,
sanctuaries, shelters or foundations.

Many people claim that animals should be in their natural habitats. The question is,
what are their habitats if we are taking them away from the animals every day?  

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Animals in danger of extinction

According to data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (the
international organization with the greatest authority on the problem),
approximately 5,200 species of animals are currently in danger of extinction. It is
alarming to read that such a large number of animal species are in danger of
disappearing from the face of the earth.

There are several reasons why many species are on the verge of extinction,
although the reasons vary depending on the species. However, what is known is
that, for the most part, it is due to deforestation that destroys their habitats, and
brings with it climatic changes that also affect the animals and their food sources.

Equally impactful, it is important to consider the illegal hunting and trafficking of

species as part of the problem.

Exotic animals:

On our planet we find great diversity of exotic animals. It is important to understand

that these types of animals are not pets or companion animals, because unlike
dogs and cats, they have not been living and sharing their lives domestically with
humans for thousands of years.

You will find it incredible to know that humans often do not understand that each
species has a different language, that we should not compare one with the other,
since they have different needs and lifestyles. Nowadays, man takes an animal in a
selfish way and adapts it to his environment, without being willing to understand
that he must create an environment and surroundings where both can have the
harmony they need to live pleasantly.

It is also important to understand that animals, just like human beings, have
instincts, disappointments, depressions and frustrations that, many times, are
triggered by aggression, putting not only the animal but also those who accompany
it at risk.

We must understand that many exotic animals are in danger of extinction, not only
because of hunting or illegal sale. A large percentage of this problem is due to
deforestation that makes animals lose their home. For this reason, I am personally
not against a person, or an institution with the economic capacity, with the proper
knowledge and veterinary support, taking an exotic animal, as long as this person,
or entity, acts with respect and commitment.  

Primates as pets:
I remember telling a person who visited Mina's Mini Farm that one of my favorite
animals was the monkey, precisely because it is a very particular, agile and funny
animal. I told her that I was hoping to rescue one if the opportunity arose. I also
told her that I was making all the legal inquiries to be able to have my license
-which in the United States is required by the Wildlife Commission to every person
who wants to have or adopt a primate-. You must have the license and comply with
certain requirements according to the primate you want to adopt.    

This visitor suggested I check out an Instagram account of a lady who had three
cute little monkeys. She told me, "Take a look at her profile. She has three little
capuchin monkeys and she loves them very much." I was really curious about it
and quickly logged into Instagram, searched for her account and was amazed to
see that she had quite a lot of content. I perceived that this woman really loved her
monkeys and she dedicated all her time to them. So, I decided to contact her to
invite her to the radio program “Lenguaje Animal”, which I was hosting at the time.
In this way, I would not only calm my curiosity, but I would also take the opportunity
to educate many people about the care that primates require when having them as
home pets and answer many questions that came to my mind.

I wrote to her that same day and she answered my message very quickly. I was
very surprised about how fast she answered my message. She was very kind and
accepted my invitation to the program, which made me feel great joy. So, we
arranged everything, including a pre-interview visit to meet her in person and talk a
little about her life with her three little capuchin monkeys.

I got to her home and met her family: her husband, her daughter, her son; and I
even had the opportunity to meet her three little monkeys, who were not just her
pets, I would say they are an integral part of her family. Actually, I had an almost
immediate connection with her, her name is Tania Sanchez, a super friendly,
attentive and very passionate woman when talking about her beloved monkeys
Toby, Angelika and Russel. It was very noticeable the sparkle in her eyes when
talking about them; I remember it was as if I was in front of a mother talking about
what's new with her babies.

We sat and talked a lot. She told me that she has been a volunteer for years in an
institution that rehabilitates different animals, and that thanks to that she has had
great experience with diverse exotic animals, in addition to having rehabilitated and
cared for many of the animals in this center. Tania has always had passion for
monkeys and since she was a little girl, her dream was to have one someday. So,
in addition to seeking information about primates and preparing herself as a
volunteer and rehabilitator, she also obtained her license to care for them.
Here in the state of Florida, in the United States, not just anyone can have a
primate, even if it is rescued/adopted. You must have a license received after
fulfilling certain requirements. One of those requirements is to have 1,000 hours of
experience in volunteer work interacting and caring for primates. It is important to
mention that in some states in the USA it is illegal to own primates.

In Tania's case, she completed her hours of experience and fulfilled the other
requirements, and that is how she received her license and continued to offer her
time and support the institution where she was trained. Her husband Jorge and her
children have been of great support in her passion for caring for hundreds of
species for this institution, without receiving any economic remuneration, only the
personal satisfaction of returning many orphaned animals to their natural habitat,
when possible, or to the institution if necessary. Tania has cared for and
rehabilitated tigers, teddy bears, capuchin monkeys, among many other species.
The first monkey that had the opportunity to stay at home with her was the funny
and famous in social networks, Toby. Then came Angelika, a little monkey that
needed extra care, and they didn't know if she would survive; and finally, the
friendly and shy Russel.

After seven months of care, she had to return him to the institution and noticed that
Russel, because of his shyness and innocence, would be much better off in the
environment she had already created with Toby and Angelika. Thus, the three little
monkeys became part of her family.  

She let me know that she does not recommend people to keep primates as pets,
as they are animals that require a lot of attention and care. These little monkeys
require a daily routine, just as you would create for a baby, with play, feeding,
interaction and rest times. Additionally, they require structure and education in
order to maintain harmony in the coexistence with this particular animal. It is worth
mentioning that the commitment to have or adopt one of these animals is huge,
since their average life span is approximately 45 years in captivity, and in some
cases even a little more. On the contrary, in their natural habitat, their average
lifespan decreases over the years and they usually do not live more than 20 years.
This is a consequence of hunting and deforestation.

These graceful animals are considered short in height, with tails the same length
as their bodies. Their limbs are long and dexterous for grasping objects. Their tails
serve as a support to hold on to branches or objects, as well as a support when
moving. Their personality is unique, they are very sociable, funny and witty
animals. This is one of the reasons why many of them have been in movies, where
they have demonstrated their great intelligence.
Along with her family, Tania has made many modifications to their home in order to
provide comfort and care for these little monkeys. They have toys and play areas
inside the house, as well as an outside area where they can be free to exercise,
play and sunbathe. There they spend four to five hours a day without diapers or
clothes. Yes, without clothes, just as you read it, and Tania's monkeys love their
clothes, and I was able to witness it.

Many institutions and animal rehabilitators initially dress the animals in order to
provide them with a comfortable temperature, especially those rescued at a young
age. It is very common that the animal gets used to the clothes and prefers it for
comfort and habit, especially monkeys, which tend to be a bit cold animals. The
diaper is logically used to prevent them from urinating or defecating in different
places of the house, and to avoid them from getting dirty. Animals are not far from
humans. We all feel comfortable having what we were given when we were little.

At Tania's house, I was able to witness how Toby, after his bath, picked up his shirt
and lifted his arms, just as a toddler would do with his mother, to have assistance
in getting dressed. Her monkeys eat every two to three hours, and have a special
diet of vegetables and fruits. Tania and her family have changed their lifestyle to be
able to share it with these little monkeys; love and respect for them is part of their
priority. Their daughter is also certified with a license so that, in case something
should happen to her parents, she can legally continue with her monkeys as they
have done up to now, being part of the same family.

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Ammal’s history

Ammal is a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) that came into my life without
expecting it. I longed to be able to adopt a capuchin monkey in special need, as it
is one of my favorite animals. So, I contacted several sanctuaries to let them know
that I had the required license and that if, for any reason, they needed someone to
adopt a monkey, they should let me know. About a year went by and I wrote
sporadically to different centers, even in different states in the USA.

One day I received a message, they had an orphan monkey and they needed
someone to adopt her. She was only two weeks old, but her mother had passed
away. They gave me the monkey's information: "She is a squirrel monkey. She is a
female, and we need you to adopt her because we don't have the capacity or
enough volunteers at this time."
Even though it was not the monkey I wanted to adopt, I decided to welcome her. I
went through the whole procedure to receive her and read a lot about this species.
Squirrel monkeys are small in size, measuring 9.8 to 13.7 inches in length and are
1 to 2.4 pounds. They are quadrupeds, that is, they move by means of their four
limbs. Their tails are longer than their bodies, and are covered with short orange
and yellow hair, both on their back and limbs. Their faces are white and their mouth
area is black.

These cute little monkeys are omnivorous, eating fruits and vegetables, as well as
insects such as grasshoppers, spiders, and even bird eggs. Unfortunately, they are
victims of massive deforestation, and for this reason many of them are found in
animal sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers and zoos. Their average lifespan in
captivity can reach up to 30 years, while in their natural habitat their life expectancy
can reach up to 15 years, an average that is decreasing due to deforestation.

In just a couple of days I read and learned a lot about these little animals so I could
feel confident when the time came to receive her. I remember the day came, I left
the house with my daughter and she was recording me because of my excitement.
Whenever I rescue or adopt an animal, I am overwhelmed with joy. This case was
very special, because I would fulfill the dream of having an animal that I always
wanted to have! A monkey!

I arrived at the center where the little monkey was and when I finally saw her, I
couldn't believe how small she was. She was smaller than the palm of my hand.
With her super black eyes and her little human-like tiny hands. Naturally, I fell in
love with this cute little baby. I remember we went home and I spent hours
watching her, she looked like a human baby. I promised to take care of her the
best way I could, I knew it would not be an easy commitment, and that it would
require a lot of time of attention and dedication. I named her Ammal. It is a name of
Arabic origin that can mean hope and purity.

When she came home, Ammal required a bottle feeding every two to three hours,
just like a human baby. So, the first month was exhausting, especially for me, it
was almost like having a newborn baby after a long time. It took me a while to get
organized and get used to joining her routines with my own.

Ammal is a very special little monkey. It is amazing how, even though she is still a
baby, she has such a strong personality. It is something that always surprises me,
especially with monkeys. Females are almost always very feminine and males very
masculine, unlike other species in which, although you do perceive diversity in
personalities, they are not necessarily so marked in their femininity and
masculinity. Ammal is like a little princess, she has the curiosity very typical of
monkeys, but she never gives up her delicacy; even when she finds an insect, like
an ant, she quickly puts it in her mouth and does it with delicacy like a lady.

She is very funny. Every day you notice her progress in learning, appreciation and
curiosity. Since Ammal came into my life I confirmed that having a monkey at home
is much more complex than I could have imagined.  Like Tania, I would not advise
people to have this kind of pets at home, if they are not really dedicated. I know
they look so funny that easily anyone would like to have a monkey at home, but it
is a difficult task that, although not impossible, it is imperative that the person is
willing to change his or her lifestyle for this type of companion.

I’ll keep repeating that they require extreme care, attention, structure and optimal
conditions for their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. A well-
educated and happy monkey is not created by itself! Behind that pleasant
personality is the hard work, dedication and love of their handler or human
adoptive mother/father. 

Personally – and, as well as many rescuers or animal lovers - I am not against

having animals at home, as long as they receive care and attention, along with the
best possible lifestyle. Realistically, with so much deforestation, there are fewer
and fewer natural habitats for them, therefore, in many cases, it is better for them
to live in a home where they are willing to provide a dignified lifestyle and care with
love and respect.

An animal is not like a human, who sees the lifestyle in which it grew up as normal.
It is hard to miss what you never had. I look at my monkey and I do not see her
suffering! I do not notice depression or discontent in her. Yes, her story is sad. Her
mother lost her life, and she was born in captivity, in an animal rescue center, but
Ammal, like a baby who loses her mother at such a young age, does not remember
it. As crazy as it sounds, for Ammal, I am her mother, and not because I say so, or
believe so, it is her actions that daily prove to me that she received me, accepted
me, and loves me as if I were her mother.

So how do you judge someone who adopts a little monkey or an animal in need?
To me, it is absurd to do so. In fact, Ammal has an Instagram account that I use
more as a sort of electronic album - so to speak. I upload videos and pictures in it. I
love to give them a glance sporadically and see how she is growing, her
development and the funny moments we share. In this account, although in her
biography it reads that Ammal was rescued and was born in captivity, some people
write comments without taking the time to read or ask about her. They just attack
with comments like:
"This monkey belongs and should be in its habitat!"

"A monkey does not belong in a house! Poor little animal!"

I wonder, do these people think that by sending messages like this to people who
have monkeys or other animals that they feel should not be kept, will truly create
an impact? Do they really think that by reading this message someone will say
"Oh, right, I shouldn't keep this animal, let me go to the Amazon and set it free!"

No!            

But they think so, and they do it out of egocentrism, because those comments
generate absolutely nothing positive, the only thing they create are absurd debates
that do not alleviate the problems of those who are exposed: our animal
populations. At times like these, I breathe and ignore, because being part of a
debate between attacks, besides generating ignorance and more frustration, has
no solution whatsoever. That is why it does not make the slightest sense to me.

Someone once told me that the important thing about our actions is the amount of
impact we generate through them, and I have understood that no animal will have
a better life if we attack other people.

CHAPTER 7
Covid-19:

The first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the United States was announced on
January 21, 2020. And it gradually moved to different states and regions of the
country. This pandemic, so unfamiliar and unexpected to all, has been another
major challenge to face. At Mina's Mini Farm we had to make changes that had a
huge impact, from asking volunteers to leave the facilities indefinitely, to stopping
our fundraising activities such as our rescue experiences, among other fundraising
activities.

The uncertainty of facing the unknown, along with the total loss of what little
income we had on the farm, was worrisome and alarming. I remember sitting on
my bed, looking at the walls of my room and saying to myself "what will we do?", or
walking out to the back of the farm, looking at some of the rescued in tears and
saying to myself, "Oh, God. How will we make it?"  With no financial funds, no
volunteers, no fundraisers, how will we feed and care for all these animals?"

Despite all these feelings, I knew that this situation was yet another challenge I
would have to face, and the only way out was to take it one day at a time. I went
through days of much worry and others where I would self-coach myself to focus
my mind on positive thoughts, reminding myself that each day I would only face
that day's situation. Also reminding myself that my desire to control the situation
would only bring much more frustration.

In July 2020, my children and I came down with Covid-19. The first few days we
felt extremely tired, sore throat, headache, weakness, confusion, among other
symptoms that worsened as the days went by. I remember that the fatigue was
very strong, the dizziness and confusion, along with the feeling of the unknown as
to how our body would react to the virus, was exhausting, even emotionally. They
were complicated days, my daughter Dayanne and I were frustrated and
exhausted. Fortunately, only she and I had symptoms. My 13-year-old son, Alsaid,
had none, just a little tiredness. Within our quarantine, I must admit that, although it
was very difficult to take care of the animals while being so tired, at times it was
distracting and therapeutic, both the feeding days and interacting with the rescued
animals.

Every crisis gives us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to bring out the best in
ourselves and to realize that we must flow with the changes, instead of fighting
them. We must remember that uncertainty is part of life; some times we will be
more exposed to it and at other times less, but letting go and adapting is important.

Finding comfort within discomfort is part of our growth and evolution. This
pandemic has generated a lot of chaos. I feel it is the cry for individual and
collective change.

EPILOGUE:
Some people can contribute by volunteering in pro-environmental and animal care
organizations or centers; by sponsoring financially, or also by changing certain
habits such as recycling, adopting animals, or changing their diet. You do not
necessarily have to make extreme changes, but if you make small changes, with
time, you will make an impact that contributes and adds up. 

Let's not forget that we are not superior beings to animals, that they do not cross
our cities, it is our cities that steal their natural habitat every day. Today, more than
half of our world's population lives in cities full of people who spend less and less
time outdoors enjoying nature and being conscious of our mother earth and its
inhabitants.

Animal populations and the environment have been destroyed by our indifference
and division, by our lack of love and respect. We cannot heal this great wound with
what caused the disease. There are so many animals, each with its own history,
demonstrating that they feel, think and know much more than humans have
stopped to observe, respect, accept and value.

Thank you for reading this book.

I hope I have touched your heart through my anecdotes, but, above all, I hope you
never forget, if you are an animal lover or activist, that good cannot be done
through division and hatred.

It is okay to be different. It is okay to think differently, but before you judge and
point fingers, inspire with your actions.

In case you are not an animal lover, you should know it is okay not to be so. I just
invite you to respect our home and its co-inhabitants, because we are more than
just humans.