One-year-old Bob is a rabbit roommate to Keiki, a Java macaque at OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary in Longview, Washington. OPR takes in monkeys formerly used in research laboratories, as well as unwanted or abused monkeys from private owners. OPR generally pair-houses monkeys with their own kind. Some, however, act aggressively toward other monkeys but will accept and nurture rabbit companions. Keiki arrived at the sanctuary in 2002 after his former owner pleaded no contest to animal abuse and surrendered custody. The monkey was in shock, with an untreated heart condition, a concussion, and a damaged finger (which had to be amputated) after his owner hit him with a stick for stealing one of her cigarettes. Keiki is thriving at OPR, and he and Bob have become inseparable friends. See page 14 to meet more OPR residents and learn about the sanctuary.
Photo by Polly Schultz