Sanctuary Residents
Victor
Victor, a resilient and spirited monkey, faced a difficult start in life when he was kept illegally in a cramped enclosure. Despite the challenging conditions, Victor’s indomitable spirit remained intact. Thankfully, his story took a positive turn when he was rescued and found a new home at the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary. Now, Victor thrives in a spacious and nurturing environment, surrounded by other primates and dedicated caregivers. His journey from hardship to safety stands as a testament to the sanctuary’s commitment to providing a better life for animals in need.
Mojo & May
Mojo and May are lively monkeys who found a new lease on life after being rescued from the pet trade. Once confined, abused, and exploited on social media, Mojo and Maya were fortunate to be rescued and brought to the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary in Florida by a group of followers concerned for their welfare. Mojo and Maya have access to spacious habitats where they can interact with other monkeys and engage in natural behaviors. The sanctuary’s dedicated team ensures that Mojo and Maya receive proper care, enrichment, and companionship, which are crucial to heal their emotional wounds. Their story highlights the sanctuary’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a forever home for primates who have been victims of the pet trade and other forms of exploitation.
Spock
Spock is a wild monkey who faced an unexpected turn in his life due to human interference. Originally living freely in the mangroves of Florida, Spock became accustomed to being fed by humans. This dependence on human-provided food led to problematic interactions, ultimately resulting in his capture. Fortunately, Spock was brought to the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary where he now resides. Spock is given the opportunity to live in a setting that closely mimics his natural habitat, surrounded by other monkeys and provided with appropriate care and enrichment. Spock’s story underscores the importance of not feeding wild animals and highlights the sanctuary’s role in rescuing and rehabilitating monkeys affected by human actions.
Betty
Betty was a tiny, wild vervet monkey with a curious spirit. She once lived in the mangroves able to freely explore the world around her. One day, her curiosity led her to a perilous place—a power line that buzzed with danger. In a tragic instant, Betty was electrocuted, and the shock left her with severe injuries. She lost one of her legs. Betty was rescued by the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary who provided her with medical care, comfort, and a sense of security. Despite her traumatic experience and the loss of her leg, Betty’s spirit remains unbroken. She adapted to her new life at the sanctuary, learning to navigate her surroundings with remarkable resilience. Betty’s story is a testament to the strength of the animal spirit and the compassion of those who work tirelessly at the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary to protect and rehabilitate the wild monkeys of Dania Beach.
Ellie
Ellie’s story is one of quiet resilience. She came to the
sanctuary in April 2025, after spending her early life as a pet. Her past was
difficult—her first owner had all her teeth removed, leaving her unable to
defend herself or eat as nature intended.
Now safe at the sanctuary, Ellie is learning what it means
to truly be a monkey. The behaviors of her new friends often confuse her, and
she hasn’t yet mastered “speaking monkey.” Unsure how to read the behavior of
others, Ellie sometimes sees every approach as a threat and reacts defensively.
But there’s hope shining through. Ellie has begun forming a
gentle bond with her neighbor, Margarita. The two occasionally share quiet
moments, grooming each other through the mesh—a small but beautiful step toward
trust.
Ellie’s journey reminds us that healing takes time,
patience, and compassion. Each day, she moves a little closer to discovering
her place in the monkey world she was always meant to be part of.
Margarita
Margarita is a spirited monkey whose early life was marked by captivity in the pet trade deprived of the social and environmental enrichment crucial for her well-being. Recognizing the unsuitability of keeping her as a pet, her owners made the compassionate decision to surrender her to the Dania Beach Vervet Project. At the sanctuary, Margarita was introduced to other monkeys to interact with and an enriching environment. Under the care of the sanctuary’s dedicated volunteers, Margarita is thriving. She receives proper nutrition, medical care, and enrichment activities designed to stimulate her natural behaviors. Margarita’s story highlights the challenges faced by animals in the pet trade and the importance of sanctuaries in providing them with a second chance at a natural and fulfilling life.
Meeka
Originally from Missouri, Meeka came to us after life as
someone’s pet. Her past is mostly a mystery, but we do know that her former
owner gave her up after deciding to get a baby monkey instead. While that
chapter of her life is behind her, Meeka has found herself and not shy about
showing us her punchy personality!
Meeka is a sassy lady with strong opinions about how things
should be done around the sanctuary. She’ll let you know if you’ve picked the
wrong stuffed animal, if your treat-offering technique needs work, or if you’re
simply not giving her enough attention.
When she’s not busy sharing her commentary, Meeka loves
wrapping herself up in her cozy blankets, peeking out like a snug little
burrito. Beneath all that sass, she’s a total sweetheart who adores gentle
scratches from volunteers through the wires. Meeka reminds us every day that
even the feistiest spirits deserve comfort, care, and love — no matter where
they came from.
In Memory of Uno
Uno was a resilient wild monkey who faced a life-altering ordeal after an unfortunate encounter with a power line. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of one of his arms due to severe electrocution. Vulnerable and in pain, Uno was rescued by compassionate volunteers at the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary who saw to it that he received immediate medical attention. Despite his injury, Uno displayed remarkable adaptability and resilience, quickly learning to navigate his new circumstances with grace and determination. Uno’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers that wildlife faces due to human infrastructure and the vital role sanctuaries play in offering second chances to injured animals. At the Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary, Uno lived a fulfilling life, his spirit undiminished by his past trauma, inspiring all who met him with his courage and tenacity. Despite the love and support he received, complications from the accident eventually claimed his life.