Grady

Former Resident

With fond memories and loving hearts, we remember Grady, a capuchin monkey who was a remarkable and resilient resident of the Primate Rescue Center for over 25 years. He was surrounded by his caregivers and comforted by their love and support as he passed.

Born in 1987, Grady came to the sanctuary on June 3, 2000 after spending 13 years in a human home as a pet. Although his owners did their best to provide him with care, a human home is no place for a monkey, and Grady was in need of proper nutrition, medical support and same-species companionship. Once his health stabilized, Grady was introduced to other capuchin monkeys and began to relax, settle in, and truly thrive in his new environment.

Grady was later diagnosed with diabetes and began receiving daily medication to help regulate his glucose levels and support a long and healthy life. He was known for his intelligence and willingness to cooperate with his caregivers to receive the care he needed. When asked to shift into a tunnel to be separated from his companions for medication, health supplements and multi-vitamins, Grady would happily comply, relishing the quiet time to enjoy his special daily treat. Most days, these carefully prepared medication cups were eaten quickly, but if there was ever a mixture he didn’t approve of, he would toss it back to his caregivers with impressive accuracy. They would dutifully return to the kitchen to try again, eventually landing on a flavor more to his liking, which often leaned savory rather than sweet. 

He was a miracle monkey. Despite his diabetes diagnosis, he not only survived but thrived, even rallying after a life-saving tail amputation in 2018 when he lost sensation and blood flow in much of his tail due to his condition. With most of his tail gone, he was a new man! He had more energy, reached a healthier weight, and grew a thicker coat of hair.

Grady was happiest while foraging outdoors with his friends. His best friend Peanut, a female capuchin introduced to the group in 2012, was often by his side. Grady was the first to greet and bond with her, and the two could frequently be found sharing food and grooming contently in the sunshine. Grady excelled at solving enrichment puzzles, catching bugs, and meticulously combing his outdoor enclosure for every last seed and nut. When he wasn’t busy foraging, Grady preferred the highest perches where he could survey the sanctuary and observe the activities of his companions from above. He was a loyal member of his group and never hesitated to sound the alarm with ear-piercing screams if a peacock or the sanctuary dog roamed a bit too close to their enclosure.

He had a friendly spirit and relished attention from many of his caregivers, sometimes laying down to gaze lovingly at them while gently cooing as they spoke sweetly to him. He was the most talkative of his group and remained active and agile, despite his age, until the very end. 

Grady embraced his sanctuary life and made the most of the second chance he was given. Having lived well beyond his expected lifespan, he left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His resilience, loyalty, kindness and unmistakable joy for life will live on in our hearts and continue to remind us to savor each day.