Mela is a common marmoset who arrived at Jungle Friends on October 28, 2008. Mela was first stolen from her natural monkey mother by a breeder in Miami and sold to a couple of teenagers. When Mela was about two years old, the ‘owners’ decided to sell her. They were expecting another child and were being evicted – so having a little monkey was not convenient!

At that time, Mela was living in a 2’ x 2’ x 3’ birdcage and looked very frail. Fortunately for Mela, she was purchased by a compassionate woman who was concerned for her health. When she asked the old ‘owners’ what Mela ate, they replied, “She likes cereal and marshmallows.” With a diet like that, no wonder the little marmoset wasn’t thriving!

Mela’s new ‘owner’ cared for her for about a year and a half. However, her job required extensive travel out of the country. She realized that Mela needed a forever home with monkey friends, and so she contacted Jungle Friends.

Mela has really taken to her new ‘monkey life.’ She delights in jumping from branch to branch and catching passing cicadas. She is a champion eater and especially enjoys bananas and Jungle Jelly! Being the new girl in town all of our bachelors were swooning over her. Mela played hard to get, but eventually Chachi was the lucky one who stole her heart.