The Extraordinary Life of Winston: A Rescued Spider Monkey’s Journey with Michael Robison

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Michael Robison never imagined that his life would become so intertwined with a troop of spider monkeys. Among them is Winston, a rescued spider monkey with a harrowing past and a heartwarming future. Winston’s journey from being poached and smuggled into the United States to becoming a member of Robison’s family reveals the challenges, joys, and deep emotional connections involved in caring for these incredible animals.

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Winston was a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, poached by smugglers who intended to sell him in the U.S. It was a dark start to his life, but Michael Robison stepped in to rescue him from an otherwise grim fate. "Winston was a rescue from an illegal smuggler who poached him and smuggled him to be sold in the U.S.," Michael explains. Bringing him into his care wasn’t just a heroic act—it was the beginning of a lifetime commitment.

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Taking on Winston and other monkeys wasn’t without its challenges. Robison describes the complexity of building an environment that allows the monkeys to live as naturally as possible, even in captivity. "The hardest part is creating a space where they can behave like they would in the wild. Learning to coexist with the troop’s behavior and accepting the reality that these guys can live for 50+ years—that’s a massive commitment." His words reveal not just the logistical difficulties but the emotional investment required.

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The spider monkeys form a tight-knit family, with Winston at the heart of it. Their connection to each other—and to Michael and his team of caretakers—is deep and meaningful. "They’re very anxious to be around us as their handlers," Robison shares. "They often accept visitors if they see us accept them. It’s like they’ve become an extension of the family." This unique bond between humans and animals demonstrates just how sensitive and aware these creatures are, far from the image of them as simple pets.

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Winston has become a star in his own right, thanks to his charming personality. He’s now famous on TikTok, where his playful antics have garnered millions of views. His fame has even landed him appearances on live streams with popular streamers like Kai Cenat and comedian Kevin Hart. According to Michael, "there’s more where that came from." Winston’s rise to internet stardom has not only entertained people but also raised awareness of the plight of rescued animals like him.

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Interestingly, only one of the monkeys in Michael’s care was born in captivity, and the difference in behavior between the rescued monkeys and the captive-born one is striking. "It goes deeper than just where they were born; it’s about how they were raised. Like my seven human children, they are all unique, with amazing personalities." This parallel with his own children emphasizes the complexity and individuality of the monkeys under his care.

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When asked what advice he would give to others considering taking on such a responsibility, Michael is unequivocal: "My main piece of advice is, Don’t do it. Very few people are truly willing to make the commitment and stick it out. It can get incredibly difficult, and it often leaves us very, very broke." He adds that while people may view these animals like dogs or cats, the reality is much closer to adopting a human child. "They’re not pets. They’re like small humans, with the same emotional and psychological needs as a child. They require far more than people realize."

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Michael Robison’s story with Winston and his spider monkey family serves as both a heartwarming tale of rescue and a sobering reminder of the enormous responsibility involved in caring for these animals. It’s not just a hobby or a temporary project—it’s a lifelong commitment, filled with both challenges and moments of extraordinary connection. And as Winston’s fame continues to grow, Michael hopes that his story will inspire people to better understand the complexities of caring for wild animals and why they deserve protection, not exploitation.