Sanctuary rescues deformed marmoset

A marmoset monkey kept in a small cage without being fed the correct diet has been recently rescued by the World Primate Sanctuary situated in Esther Park, on the East Rand.

“However, a long road lies ahead for this boy from the West Rand, as it has developed rickets,” said Wayne McLeod, who runs the sanctuary.

The monkey was a present to his owners who did know much about how to take care of it, Kempton Express reported.

McLeod said rickets could be seen in the hips and spine. The monkey is half the size it should be and can walk but cannot jump.

He is nearly two years old, fully grown, but his head is big compared to the body. His hips protrude.

“His back is totally distorted, and because he is over the growing age, we won’t be able to straighten the spine, but we can improve the bone density and certainly his happiness and general health,” McLeod added.

Symptoms of rickets externally is lack of movement, especially in the hind legs, lack of appetite, jaw projection, hips distorted showing kink in spine, glossy teeth, bad hair condition and loss of weight. The illness can lead to death if not treated in time.

He was alone in a small cage with no enrichment and fed only tinned dog food.

“We now got him in an outside portable cage with other rescues. His diet, like that of all the others, is high in proteins, including cooked meats, calcium foods like yogurts, cheese and nuts baby formulas, as well as fruit and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

“This boy is one of the lucky ones. It will, however, take a while to get him right.”

A second male marmoset from Pretoria was also taken in by the sanctuary last week. It is just over two years old and in a good condition.