August 13, 2019

   

It is with a broken heart that I am sharing the sad news that sweet Draven left us on June 23, 2019 at 11:30 am.
 
He touched everyone's heart at Jungle Friends, we monitored him 24 hours a day for more than 3 months. I realize that this email is very delayed, but I have had a difficult time wrapping my head around losing this adorable boy.

Taking off Draven's bandage
Removing Draven's Bandage
Draven's death was a shock to us all because he was doing great and his arm was almost healed. He was even meeting other monkeys and being groomed by Murphy Brown. Everything was perfect for Draven to have a monkey life.
 
Until Draven could not move his legs, and the paralysis continued in his arms. And then, he stopped breathing. We raced him to the University of Florida Vet School, with Kari giving him mouth-to-mouth the entire ride. He had a very weak pulse upon arrival.  
The vets rushed him into the emergency room, but sadly, he never regained consciousness. A necropsy was performed, which revealed a tumor on Daven's spine. The tumor caused the paralysis in his legs and then traveled up his spine and caused the paralysis in his arms, and then his lungs.
 
From the moment Draven arrived on March 12th, 2019, I worried about him. I worried what his glucose was, if he was eating, if he was picking at his arm, who was watching him, if he was sleeping, what he was doing... 

Although we try to adhere to the principle of allowing our monkeys to live an "Almost Wild" life, which includes limited interaction, Draven was one of the rare exceptions and I will forever cherish the time we had together.
Draven looked so adorable when he stuck out his tongue, which he did all the time. I miss you so much, Dravey!
I cherished spending time with Draven. Usually. I would not hold monkeys, but Draven's condition made it necessary.
Our dedicated staff logged over 2,500 hours caring for Draven 24/7. We are heartbroken with the loss of this sweet boy.
Some of my favorite memories of Draven were hanging out with him on his favorite log, watching him sleep and ultimately, seeing Draven come out of his shell when he met Murphy Brown and watching them groom each other .

Draven in his habitat 
There is no one who can compare to Draven. There are not enough words to describe my love for him. I am beyond thankful for him and everything I went through with him. God needed Draven back, and I am at peace knowing he is healed and with others who left us, running free with Sammy and Jersey Boy.

I know many of you followed Draven's story on social media, and were pulling for him with all your heart. Thank you so much for supporting us with your well wishes as we worked to heal Draven. He will be greatly missed.

Brianna Fried
Sanctuary Manager

Info@JungleFriends.org
386-462-7779
 
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