Baby macaque with Zoochosis?

BORN TO BE WILD
August 11, 2019

Pythons that make their way into homes and cities are often seen on viral videos. But where exactly do they go after being retrieved from human settlements? Most of these pythons are turned over to rescue centers. But because it is difficult to recreate the natural conditions in the wild, the pythons become vulnerable to diseases and wounds inside the shelters. Doc Nielsen visits a rescue center in Irosin, Sorsogon and finds out that there are seven large pythons awaiting assessment and release. Only one of the seven pythons is a female, which results in competition among the males. Doc Nielsen and the team work with the local environment officers to return the snakes back to the forest.

Apart from the physical health of animals, vets also look after their mental health. In Polillo, Quezon, Doc Ferds meets a baby macaque called Manny. Manny is showing symptoms of zoochosis, a psychological problem among captive animals. Animals with zoochosis show repetitive behaviors such as head swaying and hair plucking. Because there is no rescue center in the area, Manny is temporarily being cared for by a resident authorized by the DENR. Doc Ferds works with Manny’s caregiver to treat the baby monkey’s illness.

Don’t miss this Sunday’s wildlife stories on Born to be Wild, right after AHA!