Like the lemur Julian, the Indian macaque named Chili was kept in a cage on a balcony in Sutomore, while temperatures soared above 50 degrees Celsius.

His owner, who used him to earn money by taking photos with animals during summer festivals and concerts, treated Chili as a prop—as an object. When people began avoiding contact due to fear of monkeypox, which was a hot topic at the time, the owner simply removed him—not to protect him, but to hide him. That’s how Chili ended up on the balcony.

After a long fight for their rights and freedom, we brought Chili and Julian to our shelter.
Today, Chili is no longer just “that monkey from the club”—he is part of our family. He has bonded with the staff, responds to his name, and shows emotions. He still has his traumas, but now he also has his people. Those who do not use him, but love him.