In Mexico, howler monkeys drop dead due to extreme heat (5 photos)

At least 83 primates known for their roars have been found dead in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. Local residents and veterinarians are doing everything possible to save the animals.





“The volunteers asked for help, asked if I could examine the animals they had in the truck,” said veterinarian Sergio Valenzuela. “They said they had no money and asked if I could help for free.”

"Five of the animals arrived in critical condition, dehydrated and feverish. They were as lethargic as rags. It was heatstroke."



The doctor applied ice to the little paws and started IVs with electrolytes. And the monkeys began to recover.

"They're getting better. They're aggressive... and they're biting again," Sergio said, noting that this is a healthy sign for shy creatures.





Few people are so lucky. Biologist Gilberto Pozo counted more than 80 animals dead or dying under the trees.

“The howler monkeys were falling out of the trees like apples,” recalls Pozo. “They were severely dehydrated and died within minutes.”

The expert attributes the monkey deaths to a “synergy” of factors including heat, drought, forest fires and deforestation, which deprive the animals of water, shade and fruit.

Local residents are trying to help the animals: they leave buckets of water and fruit for them. Pozo's group has created a special rehabilitation station for howler monkeys.



Usually these animals look quite intimidating: muscular, about 60 cm tall with an equally long tail, large jaws and frightening fangs. But they are mostly known for their lion-like roar, which belies their size.



On Monday, the government belatedly acknowledged the problem, with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying he learned about it from social media. He promised that action would be taken.

By early May, at least nine cities in Mexico had set temperature records, with temperatures reaching 47°C in Ciudad Victoria.

This year, almost the entire country has seen less rainfall than usual, lakes and dams are drying up, and water supplies are running out. Since March, heat waves have killed 26 people.