Update on Mary Jane’s Journey

Mary Jane enjoying some peaceful time at BMR

When Mary Jane first arrived at Bali Monkey Rescue, it was immediately clear that she had already endured far more than any macaque should.

Mary is a pig-tailed macaque who had spent years being used for breeding. For at least nine years, she was forced to produce babies, only for them to be taken away and sold. Like so many monkeys caught in this cycle, her value was seen only in what she could provide for humans — not as a living, feeling individual.

By the time Mary came into our care, her body had begun to show the effects of those years.

Earlier this month, Mary suddenly became seriously ill. She struggled to sit properly, had difficulty standing, developed tremors, and barely wanted to eat. After rushing her to the veterinarian, doctors suspected a severe ovarian infection, likely connected to the many years she had been forced to reproduce. She urgently needed surgery.

Mary Jane shortly after her surgery

At the time, the rescue centre was already struggling financially, and the cost of the operation was overwhelming. But thanks to the incredible support from people around the world, we were able to move forward with the treatment Mary desperately needed.

Her surgery was successful.

For everyone at Bali Monkey Rescue, this felt like a huge moment of relief. After everything Mary had already survived, we were terrified of losing her. But thanks to the kindness, donations, shares, and messages from supporters, she was finally given a real chance to recover.

Mary is now back at the shelter and continuing her medication and treatment. For the moment, she still needs to remain on a leash at times so the team can safely administer her medicine and monitor her condition carefully. But every day she is becoming a little stronger.

One of the most emotional parts of this journey has simply been watching Mary begin to relax.

Recently, she spent the morning quietly enjoying the rice field views from the shelter — sitting peacefully in the breeze and taking in the world around her. Moments like these may seem small, but for a monkey who spent years being used and controlled, they mean everything.

Our hope for Mary is that, once enough support is raised, she will eventually be able to move into her own secure enclosure where she can have even more freedom, comfort, and safety for the rest of her life.

Mary’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also a reminder of what rescue, compassion, and collective support can achieve.

From all of us at Bali Monkey Rescue — thank you for helping give Mary Jane a second chance. 💚

Sari and Mary Jane's first meeting when BMR came to recue her

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