Experience baby monkey orphan Dirkules first encounter of his foster mom

Vervet Monkey Foundation - Baby Season 4 - Episode 19 - We follow baby orphan monkey Dirkules through his traumatic foster mom encounter until she wins over his heart. At the Vervet Monkey Foundation, a wildlife conservation & animal rescue sanctuary...
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The Vervet Forest is a wildlife rehab series focused on Vervet Monkeys at the Vervet Monkey Foundation . The series showcases the process of taking orphaned and injured vervet monkeys through a foster mother program which helps these rescued orphan baby monkeys to be adopted by foster mother monkeys. The show is for fans of animal planet, nat geo, discovery and anyone who is an animal lover, loves animals and would like to be part of helping them get back to the wild.
Instagram for photos and videos of the babies, updated daily - @Vervet_Forest
To learn more about the Vervet Forest wildlife reserve project visit - vervet.za.org/...
Official Facebook of the Vervet Monkey Foundation - Facebook.com/groups/vervet/
Official Facebook of the Vervet Forest - Facebook.com/VervetForest
#BabyMonkey #VervetMonkey Foundation #Vervetforest #orphan #vervetmonkey #VMF #VervetLove #SaveThePrimates #PrimatesAreNotPets #PrimateRescueCenter #PrimateRescue
Music - by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/
*These animals are not pets they are rescued wildlife undergoing a rehabilitation program at the Vervet Monkey Foundation in South Africa*

[@tiddlesa.6125]

This is a delight considering some cruel baby monkey videos I’ve stumbled upon on KZbin.

[@melaniebaker2012]

Yes, this channel is one of the few good ones that are doing it for the animals not to solely make money.

[@pattidrier9593]

@@melaniebaker2012 I so agree. People keep monkeys as pets solely for themselves. For the good feelings that gives them. They don’t consider the long term consequences to the animal. So very happy this sanctuary exists. And thank you for sharing this bonding moment with us. Plus the commentary by staff helps us understand what the process involves.

[@gatovolador7618]

Some of those Lao/Thai/Viet Macaque videos are quite disturbing. Even the titles tend to be atrocious in one way or another

[@tammywooley2635]

If you like this try going to Arroz Marasco, he also has a website called :the story so far. He films the monkeys in their natural habitat and has named each and every monkeys.

[@thissweetlife7250]

Exactly what I was just thinking..it's the difference between night and day to see how the momma Vervet monkeys treat the babies compared to the evil humans that take them illegally and pretend to stumble upon them.

[@renaterummler5726]

Ich habe Tränen in den Augen. Kein Missbrauch dieser Babys. Mein Herz schlägt für ihre Organisation ❤ und ihre wertvolle Arbeit im Tierschutz

[@gatovolador7618]

Its so cute how he just collapses and goes completely wet noodle limp after one minute of her grooming him

[@jorybrosted7298]

It’s amazing to me how these foster moms understand what they’re are there to do and are so willing

[@killert41]

This is the only spiecies of monkeys and maybe one more rest of them would straight up murder them

[@Runner-Boy]

@@killert41 yep in the wild they would be killed

[@gabrielecooper2589]

Llll9 9 \@ Mmm Lll

[@virginiaviola5097]

It would be pretty awesome to be handed a baby every year to love and care for. I think humans tend to underestimate the familial bonds and ability to love inherent in most animals. And I’m sure these mothers know exactly what’s going on, especially if they had been orphaned themselves.

[@lunartears6761]

@@Runner-Boythey do adopt babies in the wild, it’s just far less often because moms don’t let go of their babies for very long. These foster moms are mostly orphans themselves, so they can empathize more readily with the babies, because they were in the same exact situation. They can be killed though, if any dominant males don’t want more mouths to feed and protect, and a lot of female monkeys may not adopt if there’s a lot stress and a long period of being unable to find a steady source of nutritious food. If things are that dire, sometimes the moms may abandon their own babies, but that’s if their nursing and can’t find enough food for themselves. Very rare to happen though, as they move constantly and fight other troups for feeding grounds for this reason.

[@honeyowen3163]

One of the reasons I like this video's because we can actually witness him slowly being less terrified and realizing he's a little monkey. It's a fascinating look at animal instinct that we wouldn't have the privilege of seeing if you didn't allow us to watch all of the amazing work you do. Thank you.

[@lynnbuonomo7611]

It really shows how well you caregivers take such good care of the foster moms, they look happy and are so Dedicated to making the little one just as happy! Fantastic job ladies and gents!! great work!👏Sending you all love and light💕

[@VervetMonkey]

You are so kind

[@barbthebabechronicstir8283]

Also if the little monkey doesn't learn to be around other monkeys and learn to socialize with a troop he won't make it in the wild.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

I'm watching this again over a year later--it's 17 July 2022--and Lukka: you are amazing. Congratulations on being persistent and giving this little guy what he so desperately needed.

[@thissweetlife7250]

It amazes me how the Foster mamas naturally takes to the babies that need a mama to love them❤

[@Kim-lc3fv]

It's amazing to observe this foster mum adoption process. It's like a little miracle, and seems to proceed so quickly.

[@khmervillageofcambodia4380]

I look so pathetic

[@YaYa-lz1zt]

How could that possibly have been 40 minutes? These monkeys are such a joy to watch and every time I watch I’m grateful for the foundation, the staff, and its supporters.

[@mamasabe1w81]

I had no idea how traumatized Dirkie was. I’m so happy he has a Mommy now!❤️

[@sharonstromley9350]

I am simply amazed at the difference between these monkeys and the macaques in Cambodia. The females are nurturing here and very caring. On the other side, the macaques do not adopt orphans, rather ignore them or kill them outright. Personally, I love the vervets.

[@saraa1741]

Absolutely!!

[@geebrewer8186]

I think it is a learned process not only for the babies but for the foster moms. There is one video where a baby was killed by its new troop, inexperienced foster mom, and inexperienced troop, no one cared for the baby. Loving foster moms probably don't exist in the wild troops. Thus the reason for the milk feeding cages.

[@bsunahin9596]

It’s not true - yes vervets are slightly less aggressive on the whole compared to macaques but as far as the mothers go, macaques do actually adopt babies. I’ve seen quite a few of them do it. They have an innate instinct to protect and nurture the little ones.

[@sarahpicard9687]

@@bsunahin9596 do they milk up to feed the babies? The babies need milk for months

[@renatezylla1421]

I am very impressed how Luca shows her love to Dikules - now he starts his monkey life again...

[@vickiaverett2744]

I’m fascinated that this foster mom knows what to do…..just so amazing!

[@GrandmaLM]

So amazing how strong the need to be a mom is. Do all females want to have this experience? And generally how old are the foster moms? How old are the babies when they don’t need the foster mom and strike out on their own?

[@VervetMonkey]

Not all moms enjoy lookingafter babies, we need to get themto foster moms before 3 months as thats when slight independence sets in and then after a year they gbecome fully independant but still love mom

[@renatezylla1421]

Luca is such a good foster mom!

[@cynthiasatterfield8333]

I don't understand why so many people dislike this video. It's been a success for a little guy that desperately needs a mother to live his life in freedom. This females is amazingly persistent and very gentle. Obviously this baby has experienced a very traumatic experience and was very scared and this gentle female persisted until she won him over. I am delighted that he has found a mother that will love and protect him. What's to dislike about that?

[@maybarnard1088]

People dislike these videos because they want drama, which is what the Cambodian channels offer by manipulating the monkeys they are filming. I'm not sure who's the sickest, the VOs or the watchers of their horrific channels who actually claim to dislike monkeys and love to watch them being hurt.

[@seniorgirl67]

​@@maybarnard1088some people are past all moral sense 😢

[@lunartears6761]

@@seniorgirl67they like seeing them hurt because monkeys are close enough to people in terms of shape and psychology. That’s why those sick people like watching baby monkeys get hurt. And usually, these are the same people who will be the first to complain about babies making noise. They’ll act like the baby itself and/or it’s parents can control it like a doll with feature settings. Keep them the hell away from children.

[@danielbarrett8236]

It shows how strong the will to survive is. Orphaned at a young age, they still carry on.

[@fittiff1]

I love the sounds they make 😍

[@angelakelley7546]

It is wonderful to see the full circle of rehab with Luka and Dirkules. She was an orphan a few years back, integrated into the troop and became a foster mom in the present. The end goal achieved of returning these orphan babies to the wild and living a monkey life.

[@kathieh7012]

Awesome update! I was really concerned about all the calling from Dirkules but hooray ever-patient Luka was finally welcomed as the foster Mom! Thanks again Dave and all staff for your amazing work with these precious vervet monkeys! 🦍🥰❤

[@wandamorris696]

I have Truly Enjoyed these videos such great caregivers. Such well mannered foster moms , all of you are doing a Fantastic Job. You can tell how much these caregivers care for these little Babies by how soft and caring their voices are! Thank you for doing such a Supurb job with these orfans!!

[@etnalutt3492]

This foster mother is so gentle, caring. She is so smart and loving ❤️ She must have been raised properly. She is amazing

[@crawfor24]

Luka is like come here baby! You look like you need a mama.

[@Newttech396]

Best mom ever! She does a great job in a stressful situation!

[@lauratrotter2206]

Who ever the camera person was did a real good job on this video. That is so precious seeing the little monkeys get their foster mom. Hello from Texas.

[@harassarah9551]

Thank you for sharing your world with us week after week, you all are truly amazing humans!

[@BabyMonkeyDefender]

I should have just watched all the way through before commenting. It brought years to my eyes to see him move under her arm and settle in against her. He found his new mom. 😍

[@ms.newyawkeri7559]

I love watching these integrations. The foster moms have so much patience. So glad Dirkules finally got a mom. Amazing job as usual. Thank you everyone for your dedication to all these monkeys.

[@cathymedina8876]

So darn cute. I luv the sounds they make.

[@susanneanna2421]

Eine wunderbare Einrichtung. Hier geht es um die Tiere und die Natur.

[@sherylwelter9893]

Such a amazing video! So sweet..So precious😃Thank you all for your devoted time and love for these beautiful monkeys!❤💜

[@RR-pf4jo]

I love the sound the baby vervets make.

[@FuckTheYoutubeUsernameChange]

what's so cool about previous orphaned monkeys becoming foster moms, is that they can definitely sympathize and understand the fear and confusion the babies must be facing.

[@mackarma2923]

This is how monkeys should be cared for. I'm so tired of watching humans raise them and try to turn them into human babies. They end up abusing them and returning them back to the wild and they die.

[@irisphillips168]

@MAC Karma29 I hear ya on that!

[@lindamuller6630]

You are all amazing, from the caregivers to the foster mommies. I'm getting addicted watching 🐒🐒🐒

[@billsmith5166]

Can I get in line next to have Luka as a foster mom? She's the best!

[@sidilicious11]

I bet it would be heavenly to cuddle against her and be in her luscious fur and loving care.

[@EmmaDee]

This almost breaks your heart because he’s just scared. Luka is the greatest. I think by him knowing you guys are still there, give him a bit of comfort. Luka will win Mom of the year for this integration!!

[@bracketbasher]

@ We are entitled to react how ever is natural. You need to get over your gatekeeping on emotional reaction. Sometimes heartbreaking is a perfect reaction. So please relax yourself.

[@heatherwhatever7714]

She’s so gentle and patient with him.

[@juliehowman3912]

Luka is an amazing mum. The way Durkules screamed I wondered if she would ever win him round

[@reedecker9416]

Poor wee man was so stressed. Nothing like a kind patient mum. Good job, All!

[@Godluvs1000]

I wish more people would follow in your footsteps and set up a rescue center. Like Cambodia they have to many babies as pets and they abuse them so people will watch their videos. I love your channel and everything you do for these precious Monkeys. Thank you and God bless all of you and your rescue may it prosper 100 fold . In Jesus name Amen 🙏

[@jimrossi7708]

Jonnette Nielsen, Cambodia is nuts, the good people are few and far apart and the abuse is crazy bad, it’s all about making money ! I saw one channel where the vets took the baby and did all they could to save the baby !! VMF is heads above these other rescues, only ones close are the ones with the orangutans !

[@MrTim223]

@@ClownWhisper but they have databases! Lol, like your very accurate point about this is just a rich college kid monkey playground with vervets . I'd bet if they tried this stuff with baboon babbys it would be much more difficult.

[@par9243]

Luka is so gentle, amazing to see how much patience she has🥰🥰. So happy that little Dirkules has found such a sweet mommy♥️

[@deborahschell9176]

Poor thing. Can only imagine what happened to its real mom. I'm sure it knows. But he's slowly accepting the fact that he needs a new mom and has accepted Luca. Thank you for doing this process. Monkeys should be with Monkeys. Definitely not with humans. Thank goodness this lady gave him to be rescued

[@valeriastailing7433]

Lovely video ..you have a nice voice From Nova Scotia Canada

[@av8tore71]

I've been watching VMF here on KZbin now for a little less then a year and been donating through Patreon which is very well worth it. This program is so awesome and very worth it because these babies need mom's not humans

[@lyndakehler6619]

I totally agree. My kids "virtually adopted" Gimli for me for Xmas! We'll do it every year now. I'm so glad to be able to help, even in a small way.

[@ballbby3775]

Way to waste your money on these idiots who are in a country with millions of starving and sick kids they could help but nah, playing with baby monkeys under the guise of rehabilitation sounds way more fun then helping a bunch of dirty smelly hungry an sick children. Get real you clown, your paying these fcuks to travel to play with baby monkeys that are overpopulated to begin with. Seriously its a freaking joke, your a joke and this whole thing is a freaking joke.

[@peterhoward7530]

@@ballbby3775 So which South African orphanage are you volunteering at or donating to? By the way, the volunteers pay quite a substantial amount for their keep while they are working at the VMF and they pay their own travel costs.

[@waitaminute2015]

It must be so rewarding for the foundation to see so many successful adoptions. The process is very interesting to me. It seems you've thoroughly thought of everything. I can imagine this must have taken some trial and error?

[@lyndakehler6619]

It brought tears to my eyes! Luka was so patient and loving. I LOVE watching these intergrations! Thank you for all your hard work.

[@potaplevritis2096]

Ρίχτε τους λίγο φαγειτό θέλει να το περιπειηθή

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

@@potaplevritis2096 According to Google translate, the Greek means, ""Throw them some food he wants to swallow." Surely that can't be right.

[@nyyxs]

The patience of this foster mom was just so amazing. Beautiful to watch her try and try again. She never gave up. I am just really in awe of her.

[@sandrarawn2147]

🇨🇦❤️🐵🙋 I absolutely love this bonding part of the process that the babies go through! They seem so much more relaxed and safe! Great job to all of you's. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@valariesrisingsun7937]

So sweet, i could watch them all get a new mom's all day. This is just so sweet!

[@amylongtocrochet]

I love how these babies go with foster moms. How did you all find mature female monkeys to do this? It is so sweet.

[@kenantahir]

thats next level intelligence that is comparable to human emotions and actions!

[@EmmaDee]

He’s going to wear himself down before it’s over.

[@JillofAllTrades2]

That’s the intention! 😂

[@edo1201]

I love this videos. I adore your work. It is so amazing. Thank you for your selfless commitment. 🙏❤

[@VervetMonkey]

Thank you so much!

[@deborahsnyder5267]

Have you ever considered selling photos made into puzzles? Would love one of Gimili....

[@VervetMonkey]

The idea has been there and a great one - will look into it

[@michellejean8068]

Thank you for these heart warning videos. And all the work you do. I watched some other videos and they were terrible. Started not liking mea Mom monkeys. Now I do. Thank you all

[@VervetMonkey]

You are so welcome

[@terriegamino4415]

Luca is so very sweet and empathetic. I'M thinking she sensed the trauma Dirkules had been through, so approached him accordingly. Tonite, wrapped up in Luca's arms, will the the first of many blissful nights to come for Dirkules. (Yeah, I know he's pretty grown up now, but still.. I can dream, right?) I liked Dave's comment about how Dirk's call may be a deep memory of his mom....There's so much about them as individuals and their past we don't know about them. I'm also wondering if Luca checking the door to see if it's open is conditioning Dirk to see her going to the door, and yet choosing NOT to go through/out, so at some point in the near future, Dirk will realize that Luca won't leave without him.

[@simonatorregrossa3459]

It would be interesting to see how mums and babies spending the night together when they go to bed

[@nikkip6627]

Luka has the sweetest face... what a lovely mom❣️

[@angelacarleton9575]

I love to see the advantages it is to have foster moms available for the little ones that have been abandoned or never had their mothers.

[@OldManTheseDays]

That’s really quite extraordinary.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

VMF: What made you suspect that Lukka might be become Dirkules' foster mom?

[@VervetMonkey]

she was just the most likely and very intersted

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

And extremely capable, obviously.@@VervetMonkey

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

@@VervetMonkey Thank you.

[@patriciaorlando2380]

I love watching your video . The Foster mum is so good with the baby. Your knowledge is excellent on how to interact these monkeys. I have noticed they are relaxed and content. This is how to do it. Thank you for showing this video. Please show more.

[@simplydanlrene4276]

Love this. You all do amazing work.

[@VervetMonkey]

Thank you so much!

[@jeanwilcox3464]

There could not had been a more perfect mom

[@pennyfinan5090]

U need some goats to help with the high grass to be able to see any pythons n that enclosure. Brava for this Mom. She’s a great joy to see.

[@virginiamorales6307]

Thank you for sharing your video. I just love these little monkeys and the sounds they make. It s wonderful what you do for them. I can't see how someone hurt these little guys. Too cute.it s very interesting to see the mom's what they do to adopt a baby. Question nothing to do with video. How did cupcake die? Do you have a video where you talk about cupcake and what happen. Thank you again for all that you do

[@monkeytv2651]

good to help all them to live here thank you so much

[@BabyMonkeyDefender]

You can tell her really wants to go to her. He will. Poor little guy he wants a mom badly.

[@reenarichmond9395]

I just happen too cross these babies and adopted mother's and all the kindness too these babies gets. Bravo to all of you🐒💞💞

[@christasmith7311]

Thank you so much for taking care of them lovely little Monkey Baby's. Greethings from Germany ❤❤❤🍼🙏lots of blessings

[@bracketbasher]

This is perfection. Thank you VMF.

[@lisaorapallo2045]

This It’s so amazing I love them all they are gorgeous and you guys do such a amazing job it’s wonderful to see Deculus is so cute such a good little monkey I look at it’s just wonderful I love to see this I wish they had something in my state I like it I want to FYI I would I love them all so much and I really really want a monkey but I understand that they are so much better off in the wild and the troop where they belong I just love them all so much🐒🥰♥️🐒♥️XOXO

[@kccutter5869]

I wonder if she realizes she was in the same situation as those orphans . I def believe monkeys are waaay more intelligent then what were told. Particularly with memory

[@JusticeFortheSilenced]

Baby monkeys don't belong with people, they belong with Monkey Moms. This is so wonderful to see people who care about what's best for the monkeys.

[@marcysikes]

I enjoy when the videos have the narrative. Such a great work here!

[@nicanorstrugaru7899]

My God...its like this Luca was trained to do this .. .so loving,gentle and patient....incredible...not talking abt this amazing ppl ,evan their voices are gentle,...and the noises this baby are making made me watching through the end...soooooo sorry im not in the financial position to help😍😘❤❤❤

[@reneeberry2829]

Strange how human children that have been abused have a detachment from their mothers also

[@koisneurotypical]

It always amazes me how the Mums have the presence of mind to go into the enclosures, with full trust in all of you, and in the hopes of adopting yet another baby, each and every year! I always wonder if they wonder if that door will ever reopen again! I don't know if I would be as trusting, if I were a monkey. I guess they must see and understand all of your hard work and dedication to them. That is the only explanation I can come up with! You are all so dedicated and selfless humans! Thank you for sharing yet another chapter of your hard work during an integration! It's simply amazing to watch the transformation of screaming bloody murder to screaming if the Mum *isn't* there! I love it- thank you again!

[@suemoreland6352]

I had never heard one of the monkeys make that sound. I love it..

[@glendastouffer1470]

Haters, see what is being to be done for these little babies?

[@julieprior3126]

I hardly blink during these videos. They are so engaging! Luka knows instinctively not to make sudden movements. She really is very special.

[@irisphillips168]

@Julie Prior This is what a ligit rescue center, they show their faces and talk and show the monkeys in their habitat, no gore no abuse no clothes, no diapers, just real truth. I love it!

[@AnnemieM]

Thank you. This is quite fascinating for me to see. When I see people on the net keeping these baby monkeys for them selves I get a bit off taking. I somehow think that is wrong. I have a parrot and I know for sure they do NOT belong with people unless they are rescues. 💕💕💕

[@timmied8461]

Your Adoption Process for these orphaned babies is working out so very Well, Thanks to All of your Hard work and Dedication at the VMF! 🙏 I am Proud to be a Donor to your organization, and I Pray that the Covid-19 problems of the World Subside Very Soon! 🙏

[@VervetMonkey]

Thank you

[@lisetta5052]

Are the monkeys in the sanctuary all spayed/neutered, surgically or chemically? I’m just wondering what keeps the population under control? Are any released back into the wild as a troop or will all live out their lives at this rescue? Thanks for everything you do. Wonderful job saving these babies.

[@VervetMonkey]

The males are vasectomised

[@rhonda.gross57]

How do I become a worker with these monkeys. I love the way you operate and put these babies back into their society.

[@sandrarawn2147]

It just shocks me to see on other channels how people try to keep these babies as pets. Dressing them in diapers and silly clothes. It's abusing them. These are wild animals that need to be put back into the wilderness such as the vervet foundation does. Yous are giving these lil babies another shot at a good life. It brings tears to my eyes to see them as pets. Very sad. I personally want to thank each of you at the vervet foundation for all you's do for these wild animals. Everyone that tries to keep them as pets needs to watch your videos to see the greatness that yous do! God Bless you all!

[@D-Dollie]

Well done momma! Absolutely amazing!!

[@Wendy-cj5yz]

Such a privilege getting the opportunity to watch the adoption process. Luca has a lot of skill & patience ❤️❤️❤️

[@ФедосьяРогожина]

😮😰😲🙈🙊🙉

[@rayandfran1]

O bless, he’s fast asleep being groomed 🥰

[@diegoallcore]

Wow. Look how confident his face turned in such a little time. Maybe we can learn one thing or two about foster caregiving as humans looking this amazing creatures

[@teacherboyd4989]

wow.. how interesting... first time seeing one of these!!! I love all your other videos and I love watching seasons over and over again

[@jrknight3776]

It amazing to see the work you guys put into protecting these babies. And keeping them with their own species to learn off them. After a difficult start to their lives. . I’m shocked to see tiny baby monkeys. Being paraded on KZbin like dolls putting them in dresses. I saw one lady put a nappy on a 10 day old baby monkey. Then putting on a nappy. In which she stapled it to hold it on to the poor thing. How can KZbin allow such thing the poor baby could barley lift its head up. I got so upset. I’ve complained to KZbin surely this can’t be right. They are used for money and when it out grows their cuteness. What happens then. It’s very very sad 😢

[@irisphillips168]

@Knight family So many people have complained and nothing is done, if anything they are getting more.

[@colleenebsen1126]

It is so GREAT to see all the LOVE given to these babies

[@jimrossi7708]

I love seeing a young one get some hugs and loving from his new foster mom, they deserve it after some of the stories how they became orphaned, bad enough when mom gets hit by a car but even worse when it’s caused by a human ! If it’s a gun or dogs it’s just enough to make my blood boil !!

[@tammylain7754]

Probably the best video from Vervet... so cool. Dirkules certainly has character and a will to fight..

[@annamariaerdelyi7656]

Ez fantasztikus videó. Elképesztő az a türelem, ahogy bántok ezekkel az árva babákkal és az anyukákkal. Jó volt látni, ahogy a kis sikoltozó baba megszelídül az anyuka karjaiban.

[@territhompson537]

Do these moms have milk?

[@VervetMonkey]

no like cows and humans they need to fall pregnant first

[@elliesouza717]

@geebrewer8186 Clearly they are experience... You aren't