In some regions of Thailand, primates are hunted down, killed, or sold into the exotic pet trade.
These acts are deeply embedded into their culture, but there are organizations that attempt to educate the locals about their wrongdoings.
Humans are often the cause of animal extinction, due to their hunting habits, and rescue centers like Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) are doing everything they can to protect its region's primates.
You may remember the story of sweet little Piak, the spectacled langur that lost his mother to poachers when he was only a few weeks old. The poacher had no idea the primate he hunted down was carrying a baby.
Luckily, instead of selling the young langur into the exotic pet trade, he surrendered him to WFFT.
Due to his age, Piak required constant care from the staff at WFFT, but he needed more than that. Spectacled langurs are highly social creatures and need to spend time with other primates just like themselves.
Fortunately, a sweet little long-tailed macaque named Makood was rescued soon after.
Scroll down to find out how Piak and Makood were able to bond despite being different species, and let us know what you think of them in the comments!
[H/T: The Dodo]
For several months now, Piak the young spectacled langur has been growing and thriving at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).
His mother was tragically killed by poachers, but he was spared.
Makood, the long-tailed macaque has a sadly similar story.
Her mother was also killed by poachers, and the baby macaque was then sold into the pet trade.
Luckily for both Piak and Makood, people came to their senses and surrendered them to WFFT.
This isn't as common an occurrence as it should be.
Every year, thousands of primates in Thailand are hunted.
Innocent baby primates are then sold to people who have no knowledge as to how to care for them.
Many primates sold into the pet trade end up in abusive situations.
About a month after Piak was brought to the center, Makood followed.
Both of them are young enough that they require around-the-clock care.
Although they're different species, Piak and Makood are both very social animals.
The two of them were introduced to each other at the rescue center.
When the adorable primates aren't being cared for by staff, they spend lots of quality time together.
The two have quickly formed a tight bond.
"During the day they have time to play together," WFFT wrote in a Facebook post.
"The positive play interactions provide valuable lessons for these highly social primate youngsters."
Piak and Makood may have lost their families, but at least they're lucky to have each other to grow up with in a safe environment!
Let us know what you think of these sweet primates' journeys in the comments, and don't forget to SHARE with anyone who loves a good rescue story!
