In Loving Memory of Little Miss Curri

It is with mixed emotions that we share the passing of our beloved Little Miss Curri on November 22, 2006. While we’re heartbroken that her sweet face will no longer be there to greet us, we're comforted knowing she's now free from the limitations of a body that could no longer "run and jump like a monkey."

 Curri was a fighter until the very end, and just recently, she had been doing remarkably well—she even reached a record weight of one pound. But on Monday, something shifted. She seemed distant, her gaze reaching beyond us. One of her devoted caregivers, kept a close watch, checking in on her every half hour to make sure she was comfortable. 

Jessica, Curri’s longtime friend, returned from a trip just in time to spend the afternoon with her dear friend. It was a heartwarming reunion as Curri ate more of her favorite protein drink than ever before; it was as though she wanted to honor Jessica’s presence. Later that evening, however, Curri began to have labored breathing. Though in our hearts we sensed what was coming, I still hoped it was something we could treat, perhaps an infection. We tried giving her medication, but she refused.

 Around 11 pm, as Sara and I kept watch, Curri began to communicate with the boys—the other squirrel monkeys. The sound they made together was like nothing we had ever heard before, a beautiful, sweet song that seemed to hold the entire sanctuary in a moment of pure magic. Curri joined in, and they continued their conversation deep into the night. 

Then, at 3 am, as Sara checked on Curri one final time, I received the dreaded call over the radio. Curri was gone. Time to say our goodbyes. Curri left this world on the same day she was mentioned in the Jacksonville Times Union article, Primates Get Another Chance at Sanctuary. It felt fitting for such a special soul, who taught us all about resilience and love, to be celebrated in such a way.

Curri’s spirit was one of a kind. Her love was felt by everyone who met her, flowing from her heart straight into ours. She taught us invaluable lessons about courage, kindness, and connection. Our Little Miss Curri will forever be missed, and we’ll carry her memory with us in everything we do.