Dawkins is one of more than 500 monkeys at a sanctuary located between San Antonio and Laredo, just south of Dilley. His new life at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is way different from his old home.
His new place is about 186 acres.
Veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Johnson said that he's adjusting very well. It was a week ago Monday that it was all monkey business for Dawkins. He somehow broke free of his crate after landing at the San Antonio Airport.
"There was fear at the back of my mind that if things didn't get under control fast enough that something would go really really wrong," she said.
The 10-year-old monkey was tranquilized with a dart gun and was immediately brought to the primate sanctuary. Dr. Johnson has been by his side since he got there.
"He has been making friends with all of his neighbors," she said. "He has been doing a lot of positive vocalizations and facial expressions with all the neighboring monkeys while still making sure of letting them know he's the bigger boss of the area."
However, this isn't the quality of life Dawkins is used to. He was a research animal recently housed at Brown University, and everything about being outside is new for the young rhesus macaque.
"He has been spending so much of his time just investigating bugs and plants and all things like that and making eyes with all other monkeys," she said. "So, that has been the stuff that has been enriching him so far. And he has really been enjoying it."
He's the only one in his cage but the ultimate goal is to get Dawkins living with other monkeys, and that could take some time.
The sanctuary is home to hundreds of monkeys that have been pets, in the wild, or used for research. The organization is privately funded, and if you would like to donate to their cause, just click here.