The sound is a weak, raspy cry—more air than voice. The baby monkey is very hungry, its tiny stomach clenched in an empty knot for hours. It is a miserable, pitiful sight: ribs showing through thin fur, eyes dull, and energy almost gone. It lies where it was left, too weak to move, only able to summon these faint cries. It is not just food it needs; it needs the right food to help it survive the next few hours. I need to get some milk.
If you are the one who has found this infant, you are its only chance. Here is what to do, step by step:
1. Warmth First: Pick up the baby gently with a soft cloth. Cold kills faster than hunger. Hold it against your own body or wrap it in a warmed (not hot) towel. This stops life-threatening hypothermia.
2. Hydration, Not Milk Yet: A severely dehydrated baby cannot digest milk. Mix a rehydration solution: one cup of clean, warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and a tiny pinch of salt. Using a syringe or dropper, place a few drops on its lips and gums every 10 minutes. This will help stabilize its system.
3. The Right Milk: Do not use cow’s milk. It will cause fatal diarrhea. You need to get a proper milk replacement:
- Best option: Kitten milk replacer (like KMR) from a vet or pet store.
- Emergency option: Goat’s milk, diluted 50/50 with water and a drop of corn syrup.
- Last resort: A temporary sugar water (1 tsp sugar in 1 cup water) to buy time.
4. Feeding Slowly: Use a small syringe (1ml) or a dropper. Warm the milk to body temperature. Hold the baby upright, never on its back. Place drops on its tongue and let it swallow. Feed only a few milliliters every 2 hours, day and night. Its stomach is as small as a grape.
5. Get Professional Help Immediately: Your care is an emergency bridge. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, vet, or animal rescue NOW. Tell them: “I have a starving newborn monkey. I need help.“
You are its voice. By taking these steps, you transform its miserable, pitiful cries into a fighting chance. The baby is very hungry, and you can get the milk to help it. Your swift, calm action can turn this moment of despair into a story of survival. 🐒💕
