We hold these special lives in our loving memory:
Marylou Churchill was co-founder of Jungle Friends, my mother and my best friend! Mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer July ‘98 and died two weeks later. She passed away in peace at the Nathan Adelson Hospice.
My mom was the most giving, caring person I knew. She touched everyone’s life who had the pleasure of knowing her. All of her life my mom was there for me. She stood by me whether I was bringing home an abused pony, nursing a baby bird back to life, at a Peace March or moving into a Yoga Ashram.
I am very fortunate at having such a profound relationship with my mother. My mom gave me the courage to stand up for what I believed in and the confidence to accept the challenges that life will bring. My greatest challenge being her death. I will miss her every day of my life and I know she is still with me in spirit. I love you mom!
Sweet Samantha, the beloved monkey who inspired the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in December 2016.
Despite her fighting spirit, Samantha’s cancer eventually spread to her lungs, making it harder and harder for her to breathe. On December 2, 2017, just shy of her 25th birthday, Samantha passed peacefully from this world to the next.
Samantha spent her final moments cradled in Kari’s arms, surrounded by family and friends, deeply loved and cherished. She was known for her playful spirit and was famously mischievous, often plotting pranks on new volunteers to keep everyone on their toes. Samantha’s love for life was contagious—she embraced every moment, living it to the fullest until her very last day.
Her legacy lives on at Jungle Friends. Because of Samantha, hundreds of monkeys have found a safe and loving home where they, too, can live freely and joyfully. Samantha’s memory will remain forever woven into the sanctuary’s heart, and those who knew her will remember her with love every day.
Here is her video
When Lauren was 22 weeks old, she sustained a spinal cord injury in a catastrophic car accident. She adjusted well to the paraplegia. Nothing slowed her down! In the year 2000, her first spine surgery was performed and then eleven more followed due to complications. All of those surgeries left Lauren less mobile than most people with paraplegia. She couldn't reach very high nor fully bend at the waist. This greatly affected her independence.
We had heard of an agency that raises "service monkeys" who could retrieve items Lauren couldn't reach and explored that option. Upon further investigation, however, we strongly disagreed with their policy of pulling ALL of their monkeys' teeth.
That is inhumane. So we enlisted the help of a "monkey broker". That is how we acquired Carli. Had we known at the time how Carli had been traumatically separated from her biological mother, we would have never pursued obtaining a monkey. No one should. Unfortunately, that is hindsight now.
We made Carli the focal point of our family. Thus, Carli had a charmed, but domesticated, life since infancy. She was included in every aspect of Lauren's daily life, as challenging as that was. The amount of destruction Carli caused was only surpassed by our unconditional love for her. Considering the natural environment of a monkey, though, it is almost impossible to replicate that in a suburban home; thus, the collateral damage Carli caused was astronomical!
When and if Carli would settle down, though, she and Lauren shared a deep compassion for each other. However, this all came to an end abruptly on September 17, 2009, when Lauren unexpectedly died. In retrospect, I realized that Carli should have never been forced to live a domesticated life. So, heartbroken yet determined to give Carli the best life possible, I arranged for Carli to live at Jungle Friends. Although Carli was very well taken care of (actually spoiled!) during her domestic life, Carli will now be able to live the life of a monkey as nature intended, yet in the protected environment of Jungle Friends. And for those monkeys who are still waiting for a wonderful new home in a sanctuary, Lauren's estate is funding new habitats at Jungle Friends and Koreymonde Capuchin Rescue: JAYSIE'S JUNGLE JUBILEE I and II. What a well-suited legacy!
In Loving Memory - Michelle Ann Herndon
July 15, 1981 - November 8, 2005
Michelle Herndon, one of Jungle Friends' first volunteers and recipient of the coveted "Top Banana" award, died on November 8, 2005 - her life taken by a man she befriended and trusted. She was only 24 years old.
Michelle began volunteering at Jungle Friends in 1999, and quickly became one of our most trusted and dedicated monkey caregivers. She was an incredible young woman.
Michelle fully believed that each and every one of us can make a positive change in the world. And that is the standard by which she lived her life. Michelle felt it was her responsibility as a compassionate and able person to help anyone or any animal in need?and she did. She volunteered at numerous animal welfare organizations, sponsored a child in Africa, frequently donated blood, started a recycling program at her work and was an advocate for the homeless. Michelle was a strong force that encouraged and inspired change in a world plagued by pessimism and indifference. There was a natural ease to her, and Michelle's ever-present smile and fun-loving wit could brighten anyone's spirits.
Michelle had an intense desire to learn and to experience all the adventures life had to offer. Her dream was to study gorillas, and she greatly anticipated joining the Peace Corps in Africa after graduating from University of Florida. Michelle wasn't given the chance to live her dream, but she changed more lives than she'll ever know and we will carry on the fight for the animals in her memory.
Michelle's memory will live on at Jungle Friends. We miss you, Michelle. Chi Chi sends her love! Your spirit now dances free with our beloved Gizmo.
1996-2012
Sebastian, our capuchin monkey, passed on March 13th, 2012 at 6:15 PM of a massive heart attack, totally unexpected. Our precious and beloved Sebastian was 16 years old.
Joel and I were left with a very big hole in our heart, we felt empty. For days we roamed our house with tears in our eyes. We wondered how this little 8 pounds of precious fur could have caused so much havoc in both our lives upon his passing. We walk into our kitchen and look where he used to sit and we get that sinking feeling again and again.
Sebastian was part of our family and the love of our lives. Sebastian was curious, inquisitive, smart and mischievous - he was his own little person. He had no reservation expressing his wants or feelings. Sebastian filled our lives with joy, mischief and love.
May you rest in peace Sebastian – you will always be in our hearts and minds.
With love,Joel and Liliana Beige
I feel both chosen and privileged to have known and been a part of Sebastian's life. His beautiful expressive eyes and facial expressions were beyond belief.
This intelligent and playful soul loved his little hammock and pool. With food in his hand, he would extend his hand to me and “insist” I also eat, there-by sharing his food with me! Sebastian had many interests and was quite opinionated. Evenings, he looked forward to receiving warmed up blankets fresh from the dryer; which he would wrap himself up in for the night.
Sebastian left his tiny handprint on my heart - we shared an inter-species connection. Sebastian, my beloved friend, you brought joy and wonder into the lives of all who knew you, and your life was well lived.
May your beautiful little soul rest in peace,
Maxine Beige
It is with great sadness that I tell you Ozzie is free of the body that betrayed him. Ozzie was a fighter and really enjoyed life, even though he got off to a rough start.
Ozzie had been having further difficulties, including septic arthritis in both his front knee joints. He cried with pain no matter how many pain meds I gave him, he could no longer tolerate the acupuncture due to his neuropathy and the neuropathy meds did not help. Ozzie could no longer use his cart and the last few days he could barely walk and had to be carried out and assisted much of the time.
Ozzie definitely had good days and bad days, but when his bad days worsened and were outnumbering his good days, we had to do what we felt was best for Ozzie. After discussing Ozzie's quality of life with Dr. Medina, Dr. Schirmer and Ozzie?s team of vets at the UF vet school, we came to the difficult decision that it was in Ozzie's best interest to let him go.
Ozzie's last memory of this life was an hour-long ride in my van, he loved car rides and was so happy to be going on an outing with his favorite humans. Ozzie died in our loving arms.
Ozzie was the best dog in the world - we all loved him so much. Jungle Friends is just not the same without Ozzie, he will be missed not only by the humans, but by all of his dog and monkey friends. It has been a very sad week, first Ozzie had to leave and then my brother left this world, oh, it is all so difficult to bear.
Lots of love to you all, Kari.
It is with profound sorrow that I share the passing of our dear, sweet Puchi. On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, April 26, 2022, Puchi left us peacefully in his sleep, with his cherished friend Kooda close by his side.
Puchi was a soul like no other. His boundless love touched everyone fortunate enough to meet him. When he placed his hand gently over his heart, it felt as though he was telling you, in his own quiet way, that everything would be okay. His gaze reached deep into your spirit, offering comfort and an unconditional warmth that made you feel truly seen.
Our friend and longtime supporter Gene Blalock has created a moving tribute video that captures Puchi’s radiant spirit, highlighting the profound connections he shared with his human and monkey family alike.
Puchi outlived many of his friends over the years—Cappy, ChiChi, Wendell, and little Joni—and he offered his loving companionship to each of them. With Puchi’s passing, Kooda was heartbroken to lose her close friend. We recently introduced Kooda to baby Skotty, who came to us in a heartbreaking situation after testing positive for methamphetamines, but with the love and care we provide at the sanctuary, Skotty now has a brighter future, carrying on the spirit of compassion Puchi embodied.
For those who remember, the memories of Puchi and Cappy’s “Geriatric Gymnastics” will always bring a smile, as they leaped and played with a joy and vigor that defied their age. Gene, one of Puchi’s dear friends, has preserved the essence of these moments in a nighttime video, revealing Puchi’s gentle, loving nature as he and Wendell rested together.
If you feel moved to honor Puchi’s memory, please consider making a gift in his name. As longtime supporter Maggie beautifully expressed, “Puchi truly opened his heart to everyone he met. He is the spokes-monkey for forgiveness, trust, peace, and hope.”
Though Puchi is gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts. His legacy of kindness and love lives on, inspiring us every day to extend that same compassion to all beings.
Puchi Here is his Good Night Puchi video and here is his Celebration of Life Video Puchi was loved by so many, one of the children drew this beautiful picture of Puchi…
It was a very sad holiday for us all with the loss of my dear Pretty Girl Connie, who passed on December 13, 2018, after a brave battle with complications from diabetes.
Connie came into my life when she was just six years old, arriving at Jungle Friends in 1997. From the moment she arrived, she settled into the role of matriarch, gracefully leading with a gentle strength. Connie was a natural peacemaker and a loving surrogate mom to many of the younger monkeys. Her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Connie was diagnosed with diabetes in November 1999 and needed a daily dose of 34 units of insulin. Her glucose levels swung between dangerously low and extremely high, so we carefully monitored her, testing and adjusting her insulin, and providing fluids when needed. But in her final days, Connie’s health declined. She was brought to our on-site clinic after she stopped eating and became lethargic. Despite testing, treatments, and oxygen support, Connie passed peacefully in her sleep due to complications from pancreatic and liver disease.
Connie had a special friendship with Buddie, another one of our monkeys who was diagnosed with diabetes on the very same day. The two quickly became inseparable, with Connie always there for a comforting grooming session. Buddie, just three years old at the time of her diagnosis, managed to beat the disease and has been off insulin for years. Their bond was a beautiful example of companionship and resilience.
In 2003, Connie met Murphy Brown, who was also diabetic and on insulin. The two formed an inseparable duo, sharing years together as the “little old ladies” of the sanctuary, watching out for each other through thick and thin. While other monkeys came and went in their lives, Connie and Murphy’s friendship stayed strong, always finding comfort in each other’s company.
Connie’s passing has left a void in all of our hearts, but Murphy is feeling it most deeply. Suddenly without her closest friend, Murphy seemed lost. We decided to introduce her to Zaira and Dexter, who lived next door. While Murphy has been a bit indifferent to young Dexter’s antics, she and Zaira have found solace in each other, bonding over long, affectionate grooming sessions.
Connie will be missed by both her monkey and human family at Jungle Friends. She was a kind and gentle soul, a true friend, and an irreplaceable presence in our lives. I miss her dearly, but her spirit and legacy live on, reminding us all of the power of compassion and companionship.
Connie
Jersey Boy was more than just a monkey at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary; he was a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. His life began in hardship, kept as a “pet” in conditions that led him to harm himself, chewing on his own hands and feet as his spirit struggled to cope. At only nine years old, Jersey had already endured so much, and when we sought help, we were met with what seemed like a final verdict: “Euthanize the monkey.” But Dr. Schirmer, who shares our commitment to giving each monkey the best chance at life, found another way forward. With the help of a compassionate orthopedic surgeon, Jersey underwent amputation surgeries that would allow him to live a life beyond survival.
From the moment he woke up from surgery, Jersey was already determined to thrive. Despite the loss of his right leg and parts of his left foot, he quickly learned to maneuver his habitat using his tail and sheer tenacity. His recovery revealed his indomitable spirit, and during that time, he found companionship and love with Elizabeth, another capuchin. Together, they groomed, played, and filled their space with joy, becoming an inseparable pair.
Jersey’s tenacity saw him through more challenges over the years, from amputations to severe pneumonia. He brought out a fierce love and dedication in those who cared for him with our staff by his side through every trial -- sleeping on an air mattress in the clinic to watch over him as he fought off a high fever, tending to his every need.
Another heartwarming recovery! Jersey’s unmistakable, joyful screams and endless energy are back, filling the sanctuary with his unique spark of life and laughter. His best friend, Elizabeth, could hardly contain her relief; as soon as Jersey was well enough, she was by his side, showering him with grooming sessions and sharing playful moments together. Their bond shines brighter than ever, reminding us all of the incredible resilience and friendships that flourish here at the sanctuary.
But in February of 2018, Jersey passed suddenly in the night, leaving a void that was impossible to fill. His loss was heartbreaking, especially for Elizabeth, who came to know and love him deeply. Jersey’s story—his perseverance, his charm, his loving spirit—touched everyone who met him. He wasn’t just a survivor; he was a symbol of hope, courage, and the life-changing power of compassion.
Jersey, we will never forget your voice, your spirit, or the way you lit up our world. The sanctuary is quieter without you, but your memory lives on in every corner of the yard, in the hearts of those who loved you, and in the lives of the monkeys who follow in your path. Thank you for teaching us about resilience, for showing us the beauty of overcoming, and for the love you shared with us all.
For you, Jersey, and all the beautiful memories you gave us.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Amy, who left us on March 10, 2015, after a courageous fight with cancer. Amy was more than a friend; she was family to all of us at Jungle Friends.
Just days before, on March 2, we shared the news of her diagnosis: a suspicious mass had been discovered in her abdomen. With the dedicated care of Dr. Schirmer and the team at West End Animal Hospital, Amy underwent several tests and an ultrasound that revealed a cystic mass in her reproductive tract. Our hope was that an ovariohysterectomy on March 10 would remove the mass before it could spread further. However, during surgery, we learned that the mass was too entangled, extending into her pelvic canal and adhering to her bladder. Amy passed surrounded by her closest friends and caregivers. A pathology report later confirmed she had uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and invasive cancer.
Amy’s impact on our lives was profound, and in these reflections, her gentle and loving spirit comes to life:
“We try not to have favorites, but Amy was a favorite. She greeted me every morning as I left my trailer; she was the perfect neighbor, always happy to see me and ready with a friendly greeting. Amy was kind and thoughtful, and oh how I miss her sweet face. I feel such an emptiness; my heart is broken. I am so fortunate to have known such a gentle soul.”~ Kari, Jungle Friends Founder
“Amy brought sunshine to all who knew her. It was so easy to love her. Her passing has left a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. How do you even begin to measure the impact of losing a friend so sweet, forgiving, and unselfish? I’m grateful to have known her; it makes saying goodbye so difficult.”~ Donna, Jungle Friends Volunteer
“Amy was a gentle soul. She loved to be in the sun so very much. Amy will be missed by everyone who knew her, but we can be comforted knowing that she spent the last two years of her life enjoying the freedom of living almost wild.”~ Sara, Jungle Friends Executive Assistant
“Your amiable and forgiving nature made you an unforgettable presence in the sanctuary. Your warm greetings will be forever missed.”~ Britni, Jungle Friends Vet Tech
“Amy’s smile showed through in her vocal greeting. She was a sweet and loving friend who enjoyed head scratches, shoulder rubs, and back scratches like all primates do. Even after time apart, she’d greet you as soon as you were in sight. Very sweet. We feel so fortunate that Amy could spend her retirement years here in Florida at Jungle Friends. We’ll remember her basking in the sunshine, exploring her outdoor habitat, chatting with her monkey friends, and warming herself indoors when it got cold. Most of all, we’ll always remember her greeting.”~ Don & Carol, Amy’s Humans
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. In Amy’s honor, we invite you to consider donating to our Monkey Medical Fund, which helps us provide loving and compassionate care to all of our monkeys, just as we did for Amy.
Amy, you brought light and joy to our lives, and you will always live on in our hearts.
For photos click here
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.
We had to say goodbye to our dear Buddy Boy, a gentle soul whose spirit radiated resilience and joy. As a blind squirrel monkey, Buddy faced challenges that many could hardly comprehend, yet he approached each day with an unwavering courage that inspired everyone around him.
One of our dedicated caregivers, noticed that Buddy wasn’t feeling well. When Kari checked on him, she could see he was struggling; his breathing was labored, and his little body was working harder than usual. Concerned he might have pneumonia, I contacted Dr. Meegan at the vet school, and Buddy was quickly admitted for care. He was placed on oxygen and started on antibiotics, and soon after, we received encouraging news. Dr. Meegan informed us that Buddy’s breathing had stabilized, and he was sitting up, happily eating cantaloupe and other favorite treats.
Throughout the night, the vet students monitored Buddy closely, providing care every two hours, and each update brought us hope. By morning, he seemed to be improving; his breathing had returned to normal, and he appeared to be on the mend. But during a routine examination, the doctors detected a heart murmur and fluid in his lungs—a startling indication that his heart was struggling. Just moments later, Buddy’s breathing faltered, and despite the best efforts to revive him, he passed peacefully, leaving a profound emptiness in our hearts.
Buddy Boy’s journey was one of quiet bravery. His ability to find joy in the simplest moments touched us all and reminded us of the beauty in resilience and love. Even on his last day, he was holding onto the fingers of the kind doctors who cared for him at the vet school, finding comfort and affection in their gentle presence.
At about 24 years old, Buddy lived a long and fulfilling life, especially for a squirrel monkey. We are grateful that he spent his golden years at Jungle Friends, free from the confines of a laboratory and surrounded by love. He was incredibly close to our hearts, and we miss him already.
Buddy’s spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of our sanctuary, living on in the memories of those who loved and cared for him. Rest in peace, dear Buddy Boy. We will never forget your sweet soul and the invaluable lessons you taught us about courage, compassion, and the joy of simply being. Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us.
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