Orphaned Baby Macaque Cries While He Hugs His Teddy Bear

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Orphaned Baby Macaque Cries While He Hugs His Teddy Bear

Little 'Mongkood' (which means crown in English.) was a very scared and heartbroken when rescuers saved him from a poacher. The 2-month-old pig-tailed macaque had been kept as a pet in a cage after he was ripped from his mother's care in the wild.

The traumatized little creature likely witnessed the murder of his family before he was sold to be a pet. Thankfully, he was rescued by a good Samaritan and brought to the WFFT Wildlife Hospital in Thailand.

The vulnerable baby was treated and fed, but he still cries and cries for his mother's love and care. His rescuers write on their Facebook page that the little macaque "is still bewildered and confused as where his mother has gone." Although he has a warm teddy bear to cuddle with, nothing can replace his mother.

The staff only hopes that with 24-hour care, he will be able to make his transition to life in captivity that is stress free. We can only hope that one day, the little macaque will one day be able to return to the wild and start a family of his own!

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Mongkood's species of macaque is listed as Vulnerable to extinction. Their population has declined by over 30 percent in the last three generations and one of the causes is poaching.

These sweet creatures are hunted and traded for food, sport, traditional medicine and sold as pets. You may have seen them at resorts used, or used for tourist attractions. Avoid these acts, remember: Keep wildlife wild - not as pets!

Learn more about little Mongkood and the Wildlife Friends Foundation in Thailand, visit them on Facebook here.