Orphan Baby Gimli’s fight against depression to a new life in James troop

Baby orphan Gimli experienced trauma that’s hard for us to understand putting him in a dark place of depression. This is his journey from total loss to acceptance by all the monkeys in the James enclosure. The videos are their timeline captured by our amazing volunteers - at the Vervet Monkey Foundation, a wildlife conservation & animal rescue sanctuary.
Become a member - / @vervetmonkey
Donate to help the monkeys - donate.vervet.z...
Volunteer at the VMF - vervet.za.org/v...
Buy T-shirts - teespring.com/...
Support this show - / vervetforest
Please remember to like, subscribe and share this video with your friends. :)
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*

[@timmied8461]

Wow, I felt so bad for little Gimli when he first came to you all, but now after watching him, how he slowly broke out his Shell from the results of all your efforts, he has finally started enjoying being a baby monkey again, this makes me so very happy for him! All of you at the VMF are so AWESOME, and GOOD FORTUNE comes to All People who are AWESOME❗ 💗🙏 😊

[@whitegirl1442]

When I saw Gimli again as a traumatized baby it brought tears of sorrow to my eyes. But when I saw him at the end of the video it brought tears of joy to my eyes. I will never forget seeing Gimli playing with an empty toilet paper roll and the joy on his face. It was then that I knew he was going to be okay. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in helping Gimli get to where he is today!!!

[@zariballard]

"we want to show him that being a monkey IS fun"....how sweet! Thank u so much for caring for these precious babies🙏

[@av8tore71]

Gimli literally mad me cry the way he was when he came in. I am so very happy for lil Gimli so happy

[@kathieh7012]

What an incredible recap of precious little Gimli's story from being sooo heartbroken to being a feisty and lovable little dude enjoying his life!! Dave, we so appreciate you sharing these recaps with us and love your awesome narrations! Many, many thanks to all there at the Foundation for your continuous love and care of these precious vervet monkeys! God Bless You All!! 🐒💙🙏

[@casamatti1405]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheRealBaxterslideralus]

LOVED THIS. Thanks, Dave, nice to see Gimli breakthrough his despair, as you say we never know what the trauma has done, and just how they are going to deal with it. Would like to say thank you, to you and the whole team, your sanctuary is a Godsend and you all deserve the highest praise, especially at these difficult times.

[@koisneurotypical]

Dave you are so very humble in your herculean efforts to help and save the orphan vervets. If not for your Foundation, I can't even imagine what would happen to souls like little GImli. Thank you for including us and making us feel as if we are making a difference. The true catalyst is you and your wonderful Foundation! Thank you so much for this mini- film on Gimli's story! I love your narration- you always capture exactly what is going on and what these creatures are feeling. I could listen to your wisdom all day! Much love from the States!

[@AgatestoneCrystal8439]

I totally agree with You this is so great and a wonderfully job wow. God help this foundation in Jesus name Amen.

[@tanyatigermarshall7878]

Beautiful

[@robincurry5248]

The narrator brings tears to my eyes. Tells the story beautifully

[@Lesleymehnert]

Thank you volunteers, you’re all amazing xx

[@lyric8006]

Such a lovely video of little Gimli. Also love Dave’s narrating. I could listen to him for hours talking about his beloved monkeys.

[@astrohaterade]

Finally people on YT who are bringing nice to baby monkeys! 💯🐒🙏🏻

[@KaplanGOLI]

The video about Gimli and his recovery from his severe withdrawal to the playful and healthy monkey with his mom and the rest of his Troup has been a wonderful experience - Your work with his depression and slowly letting him attach to other monkey who could understand and relate to him was so skilled, gentle and kind - very moving - I am a family psychotherapist (with people) resonates deeply with me. Thank you!!

[@ChrissyCoole]

Gimli!!!! The wonder baby!! Awesome video on his journey and how he went from traumatized to star!!! 😍😍👍👍👏👏💖💜💙💛

[@lennarthagen3638]

They have feelings just like us humans. This place is so amazing...

[@samanthafordyce5795]

Agreed. So many of them show evidence of PTSD. It must be difficult to bring them out of it, as the classic means of dealing with PTSD in humans (medication and talk therapy) aren't available for the little monkeys. Thanks for the work all of you do.

[@barippy]

Thank you 🙏🏼 all of you!! Gimli has made such huge progress and his turnaround touched so many hearts out here in social media land!! That’s huge!! I hate that he was so hurt & traumatized, or that any vervets are, BUT I’m so relieved he landed at VMF!! He was the reason I became a member on KZbin, became a Patreon, waited for every post & picture to pop up on Instagram & Facebook. I did not want to miss a second of his fight for recovery. And by watching Gimli, I fell 💗for so many vervets, young & old, (a few samangos too!) & the staff + vols. It’s all this monkeys fault!!

[@ChrissyCoole]

I too am a KZbin member and Patreon member!! I only wish I could give more but Social Security doesn't allow me to do that but I feel the same as you!! I've been watching the videos for a year now and am amazed and totally in love with everyone there human and Vervet alike!!! Although Gimli and Bell hold special places in my heart ❤

[@barippy]

Chrissy Coole aww Bell is such a sweet girl! And she’s loves food so much!! Lol!! I’m so happy to know there are more people out there that are in all these platforms!! Sounds like I’m in good company!! :)!! Every season there are more and more monkeys to love and support... now if we could just get out there to volunteer somehow!!

[@ChrissyCoole]

I wish I could but physically I don't think I could other than holding and loving babies which is such a depressing thing!! If I had the monetary resources to go volunteer and I could help in a way where it wasn't physically exhausting for me I'd do it in a heartbeat!! If you get the chance to volunteer at the VMF I would request that you give extra love to them from me!! 👍😁🐒🐒🐵🐵

[@whitegirl1442]

@@ChrissyCoole I'm right there with you physically. But if I could I would love to, so instead I give monetarily as much as my fixed income allows.

[@ChrissyCoole]

I'm glad you understand! I guess you're in the same boat as me then? It totally blows doesn't it?? Maybe in my next life I'll be able to volunteer!!

[@lillanlofgren7424]

Sutch a wonderful story ...not in the beginning ,but thanks to you this ended well

[@oohlalalaurenn]

The beginning is what makes the ending even better..

[@lillanlofgren7424]

@@oohlalalaurenn yes

[@deborahkimball-billups6405]

Thank you guys for all you have done for Gimli. And all the other orphans as well. This is one of my favorite stories I have been following him for a while now. He wouldn't have made it without you and josie and the rest of your staff . Very special patient people. He was very time consuming.

[@brandonphipps4755]

I have always wanted to work with monkeys. I went to school for medical science and I used to tell my classmates I was going to go to Africa or Asia and help monkeys but I never got to do that

[@AmziAbelAsher]

You still can! Even at the VMF!

[@So-what692]

When I seen how sad and withdrawn Gimli was it just really broke my heart. I could tell that he had a very happy life before this and that he was very close to his mom. No telling what he seen or how he became an orphan but the way he has lighten up since gaining a foster mom shows you how important the bond between baby and mom is.

[@Laura-xs3te]

The volunteers and this organization are remarkable! Thank you for what you do!

[@ludekolah6100]

Thank you for the touching story about little Gimli 🙏💚

[@TinyDancer888]

Was crying seeing Gimli curled up into himself at the beginning. It broke my heart. So happy he is doing so well now.

[@NikkiP4444]

So very sad 😥 I am happy to know how it worked out - otherwise I would be a puddle of tears! Great job staff and volunteers! 🤗🐒❤

[@renegonzalez5334]

Great program. Thank all of you for your love to these special babies. I watch your shows over and over. Thank you!

[@VervetMonkey]

Our pleasure!

[@donnachappell3674]

Dave beautifully narrated as usual. Looked forward to this and not diappointed you did a wonderful job along with the others.Thanks so much.

[@AgatestoneCrystal8439]

in your narration i cud feel the pin of this lil Gimlii wow but patience paid nd Gimlii is laughing gin. i like watching your videos rely very inspiring... i have become bit gentle on the monkeys in my village

[@chuck876]

After you got Gimli, and saw the progress, a purebred Queensland heeler came to me as a stray out in the middle of nowhere in the desert where I live. He was dehydrated and very hungry. Learning from you, Dave, this poor young dog was very withdrawn and scared. But with all the food and water he wants and TONS of love and playing, he is my best friend and goes everywhere with me. The red heeler is so smart. But VMF has taught me so much. With time and patience, abused and frightened animals will come out of their shells. Thank you all. Wish I could hold a baby VERVET, if only for a little while.

[@jeanculbertson3677]

This sad little monkey. My heart goes out to little Gimli. He is displaying what so many of these orphans must feel once lost from their Mothers and family. What an incredible blessing you all are to these beautiful, special animals. God bless you all!

[@MeganZopf]

I’m excited just adopted Gimli! You are all so awesome helping and showing so much love!!

[@matthewbarger4592]

this is a good story, drama and suspense, difficult to stop watching. you'll have to write more like this. good commentary.

[@Kerryday11]

Awww I just love their little noises they make!! So happy for the baby getting his life back he was so depressed. Now he's happy with a troop.

[@honeyowen3163]

Thanks to each and every one of you for giving this little monkey a life. It would be a wonderful testament to the incredible work you do at the Vervet Monkey Foundation if you have a "Gimli Day" each year, showing a recap of his transformation.

[@JillofAllTrades2]

Nice!! What a great idea! For ALL our sweetie former orphaned n abandoned monkeys, even the older ones. 🥰

[@kevo8137]

This is just the best. Thank you for what you do.

[@brandonphipps4755]

That’s so sad. I wish i was there to help.

[@sethgt1234]

You guys are doing something amazing 👏!

[@suzietipton3884]

I knew when Gimli came in so traumatized that he needed to be introduced to foster mom's ASAP! He was miserable with grief

[@annieb1794]

I love Gimli, I bought mugs for him. I hope to see him in updates for years to come. He was so hurt and became so adventurous. Good boy Gimli. LOVE! 😍

[@jodibrandl7522]

That's surely depression but it's great knowing he pulled himself out of his lil funk. I completely love this baby! Thanx guys your fantastic! Edit: his lil big brown eyes have even gotten a bit brighter!!! Great job!!!!!‐

[@Sanakudou]

It’s both sweet and heartbreaking that all he wanted was a mom 😭💖 so glad you guys took care of him and made integrating into the troop and having a good life possible for the little guy!

[@marynichols5367]

So happy for Gimli. Thank you for this way of helping orphaned monkies.

[@user-eq2kn1bu3o]

We want to thank everyone that gives of themselves. These precious babies need to be who they are.

[@lillianchristensen7023]

What a beautiful thing you're doing. This brought me to tears

[@1jessebell]

Wow. Gimleys story was so beautiful. Seeing him jump around a few minutes after meeting his new mom made me laugh and cry at the same time. Just such a beautiful place for these wonderful animals. My new favourite thing to watch and to donate to.❤😅

[@dolorescardenas3853]

Such an awesome job everyone, so good to see Gimli with the troop!

[@vickiaverett2744]

This is my favorite video! It shows your message and tells the story of what you do. I’m so fascinated by your process of finding mommies for these babies. I smile every time I watch the part when Gimli is sitting and observing the monkeys outside the fence jumping and running and hopping on each other and “maybe thinking: someday I want to do that” because at the end of the video we see Gimli playing that same game!

[@WhatsThis]

They really broke gimli, evil bastards. You are a hero Dave! You gave gimli a reason to be happy again. You are amazing!! ❤

[@tracydog8344]

Seeing this little guy so broken and utterly sad brought me to tears. It is a miracle the way he turned around. Thanks to all of the Angles or the at the Vervet and Monkey Forest. All he wanted was a Mom and a family. You are all amazing and I love watching the videos of the babies progressing and getting their moms. God bless all you!!!

[@vickiaverett2744]

Such a great narrative of Gimli by Dave and Mark. Very clear and easy to hear. Thanks for the sweet update of Gimli. He will probably remain my favorite vervet monkey. What a sweetie pie!

[@VervetMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robincurry5248]

Depression sucks that's for sure. You guys doing a great job with that little cutie pie

[@joanbaczek2575]

How amazing that a monkey will foster a baby that isn’t hers . So happy monkey moms exist

[@raggmopp857]

Your narration brings so much understanding to what´s going on with the monkeys. Thank you.

[@raylee2476]

Dave you are a wonderful human being. If only all humans had the love you have for these creatures. Thank you for all you do.

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

I don't know how many times I've watched this, but it still brings tears to my eyes. Once again, thank you!

[@impatientth7239]

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors..It's such a heartwarming video...Those little babies are so resilient ,it's amazing.

[@VervetMonkey]

Yes, thank you

[@jensherman2771]

From tiny withdrawn Gimli to Gimli the Great! This one got my heart big time. All you do is amazing. Thank you all for just being the kind and wonderful people you are. And thank you mom monkeys for making life a life again for these tiny lost beings. Love and more love to you all 💛💛

[@jimterryh1983]

Great video ❗ Gimli was giving up when yall got him. But your work made his life full and complete ☺️ Great job🙏

[@JohnnygSawyer]

Wow! I'm so glad Gimli assimilated into the troupe 💕

[@sarah.harasboucher5202]

Talk about a come back story!! Goooo Gimli live your best life! Watch a catch 22 though all he needed was a Mom to be happy and all that was holding him back from having a Mom for so long was himself sadly. His depression took him longer to acclimate to each stage like the feeding cage and especially the bottle feeding which are vital to getting to Mom. Thankfully this sweet boy caught on and caught up and got his happily ever after...I seriously cried when he finally had his first cuddles he so longed for. 💗 🐵

[@honeyowen3163]

Not since watching "Born Free" as a child have I become so emotional as watching Gimli. I've always felt a calling to work with animals, in Africa, but life got in my way and I didn't make it. Watching the dedicated volunteers is like watching the life I was meant to have. Bless all of you. Thank you.

[@MeganZopf]

Dave and all the staff/caregivers at the Vervet Monkey Foundation all do such magic taking care of these special monkeys! Yes I relate to what Gimli has gone through and like Gimli, I was lucky to have some people along life's way that did step up and helped make my life a little better in some way. Thank you Dave for the love you give to these little guys!!

[@deborahkimball-billups6405]

Oh ,this Gimli story is heartwarming 💕 made my day . I didn't think he was going to come back . I'm glad I was wrong!! You guys are beautiful souls 💖. Thank you for all your hard work 💜. I could watch them all day ❤ opps....love wins ❤

[@renatezylla1421]

Thanks for your special care for Gimbli!

[@dorothydeese759]

I love seeing how Gimli has progressed and found a foster mom. He is so happy.❤

[@sarah.harasboucher5202]

Thank you for all you guys do for these lil guys, you all are Truly their guardian angels and so very selfless! I look forward to seeing your videos every week, thank you they are amazing 😍!

[@sonjam314]

I really love the break downs of each little monkeys life while they are there. Thank you so much❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I know it’s a lot of work but please know it’s so appreciated❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dawndixon402]

😁👋👍👍👏👏💕🙏🏻 The volunteers have to pay to be there. So not only are they giving their time they're not taking more money out of the general fund to be taken care of like food and water and everything needed for them while they're there that's a big wonderful thing that you're doing God bless you and yours. For all that you do. Most importantly, the monkeys that you save.

[@danaleigh4576]

Thank you Dave for a wonderful video about Gimli! You all did an amazing job with him. The love and patience you show with all the babies and adults warms my heart!

[@jerrisongs1690]

This poor little guy must have seen something or gone though something horrible A year has gone since this video I wonder how he’s doing now I pray he got close to a foster mom and made friends 🖐😃. Ty to the staff with big hearts that took care of this little guy and all the others for making their lives wonderful again Love From N.Y✨😍✨

[@dporter7652]

Thank you.... great story.... You guys really care about these monkeys....... I wish I lived over there so I could help, but since I cannot, I would love to donate to your foundation.

[@maggie6479]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Thank you for bringing him back to life. What a little champion.

[@justjonni9330]

When he 1st laid his eyes on a figure that was an adult… Gimli was like *Are you my mother?* So many people under estimate how alike they are to humans… they feel depression, joy, fear and happiness as we do. Lil Gimli most definitely would've perished if not for this foundation. He needed his mom when she was taken from him and that need hadn't changed even tho she had been taken from him. *Wonderful work… in giving this lil guy what he needed* 👍👌✌️

[@marymarlow3646]

You saved the best 2 till last. Rox and Gimli. From overwhelming trauma albeit of different sorts to adventurous, fun, happy monkeys - totally secure in their new troop lives. They are the lucky ones for sure. Thanks Dave and all of you at the foundation. I hope for a miracle that you will get some volunteers before baby season starts again in a few weeks and the hard work starts all over again.

[@user-hm6bn6kw6k]

This is one of my favorite stories of all times. God bless you all for pulling through.

[@jillmorrison5202]

A truly lovely film and what a happy ending! Thank you to all concerned 💕

[@valerienelson3296]

What an amazing show of this foundations commitment to doing right by these little Monkeys. So impressive!!

[@swanofusk9314]

One of my favorites things about these videos is listening to the narrative about each orphan. At times its difficult to hear as most of the orphans have been through some sort of trauma.

[@tammycopas7690]

This little guy is breaking my heart 😢 I hope that he forgets whatever it was that traumatized him. He’s so adorable 😊

[@amandaellison4892]

You guys are just awesome. Mr Dave has such a wonderful program and what y’all do for and in the life of these little monkeys. Y’all CARE about these little monkeys. They know they are loved taken care of and that makes all the difference in the world. I love you guys. Y’all are absolutely fantastic. ❤️🐒❤️🐒❤️

[@sandraswift3489]

Thankyouxgod bless you

[@tammyhoalst4992]

OMG my heart is 💔 broken. I 🙏 pray for little Gimli.

[@charjennable]

Thank you all for your love and dedication to these beautiful monkeys and making their lives worth living again. ❤️🥰 Much love and gratitude to you all in the vervet monkey foundation.

[@bonnie3232]

The beginning is heartbreaking. Thank God for the kindness of all the staff.

[@TheKimeegirl]

I just love the work you all do..God Bless you all and May God Bless all those little orphans out there that y'all help feel normal again..Great work🙏

[@debrabishop7946]

Loving this channel! Thank you for the narration telling the story of the baby monkey Gimli. Awesome narration. Thank you for taking care of traumatized baby monkeys and helping them. The VMF is an amazing place for monkeys.

[@VervetMonkey]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@christinafisk9657]

This is so sad😢 they are so like human emotions. Thank God for all of you!💜🙏💜🕊

[@lisacolbert5987]

Love the footage of Gimli sitting on the blue tub , having a snack and watching the other little guys goof around . He’s quite dear .

[@VervetMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wandamanske8667]

That’s wonderful how you help little ones come to life ❤️

[@juliocruz2686]

Love the work god bless and thank you guys for caring for this beautiful babies monkeys 🐒

[@AmySequenzia]

Awesome story! Is Gmili smaller than the other babies? He seems so small, but I think he is as old as Terk? How old was he when he was rescued?

[@missieyong9063]

I come back to this post often. Gimli’s story is absolutely heartwarming Thank for VMF for the loving care you give to these little orphans. He’s definitely living the good monkey life ❤

[@julieprior3126]

Yes, I watch this one again from time to time too. I love Dave's commentary because his compassion is palpable. Gimli just steals my heart every time. It's amazing to see him now.

[@tammyhoalst4992]

Thank God and all the care givers. Little one just needed his own MOM.

[@karolsaager8694]

Loved this video. You are to be commended!

[@jeanculbertson3677]

Wow! What a transformation of little Gimli! This shows what a true bless your entire team are to these special monkeys! What a wonderful job documenting his progress and showing your followers what you do! Prayers to you all!

[@nancyobrish2899]

It was a wonderful video. Thank you for taking care of the 🐒 monkeys.

[@susettesoja1482]

I'm so glad Gimlii is doing better

[@sethgt1234]

I could only wish I had the opportunity to work with these monkeys.

[@annamarieromano3882]

Great story! Gimli is a real survivor!! Strong little Monk!!!

[@cflanmac]

The story of little Gimli has brought me to tears. You people are miracle workers!

[@judygraham8477]

Poor little gimili 😪 hope he will be ok 😪😪

[@LynnleeDavis]

You guys. Are so wonderful for doing this. God bless you