Ramona arrived at Parque Machía in July 2006 from a family who voluntarily surrendered her. She has a strong maternal instinct, though she is unable to have children of her own. She has adopted many orphaned monkeys in the past who have come to the park too young to be introduced into the group alone.

Lucianita was born in May 2010 to Tomasita, a long-term member of our spider monkey group. Sadly in February 2011, Tomasita passed away from a heart illness related to her old age. The loss was evident in Lucianita, and there were concerns that she would not be able to survive without her mother. However, within days Ramona had already reached out to her and began carrying her on her back. Within a week Ramona had started producing milk for Lucianita.

A bond developed between Ramona and Lucianita that continues to grow. Ramona plays happily with her new daughter and the other monkeys in the group and proudly shows off her baby to both monkeys and humans. Ramona´s confidence has grown and she now enjoys a higher status in the group. She spends her days wrestling with other baby spider monkeys and biting them playfully.

Ramona still remains very interested in the other babies due to her maternal nature, and if given the opportunity, would surely adopt more. Her capacity to love and nurture has given her the title of “The Best Mother in the World.”

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