Jimmy

My name is Jimmy. No one knows exactly what happened to me. I may have been born with neurological problems and rejected by my mother, or I may have fallen from a tree and been injured. Whatever happened, it left me with challenges that I will carry for the rest of my life.

I see only about half as well as a healthy kinkajou, my hearing is limited, I’m often itchy, and climbing, something that comes naturally to kinkajous, is difficult for me.

When I first arrived at the sanctuary, I could barely move. I spent six months in intensive physiotherapy learning how to walk, climb, and even use my tail properly. I started out in a small enclosure, where I could safely build my strength and confidence. When I was ready, I moved into the home I have today.

Everything around me has been designed with my needs in mind. My space is arranged so I can navigate it safely, and the staff are careful to avoid loud noises that could startle or frighten me.

I may do some things differently, but I’m doing very well.

Because of my vision and neurological challenges, I cannot return to the wild. And living with other kinkajous would not be safe for me either, they could see my weaknesses and might not accept me.

So this is where I belong.

Here, I don’t have to keep up with anyone. I don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest. I simply have a safe place where I can be myself, at my own pace.

I may be different, but I am not forgotten. I am home.