Brazilian veterinarians are administering a yellow fever vaccination to wild monkeys that are in danger of extinction. A serious threat to the population of golden lion tamarins is the illness. The southeast Brazilian jungle is home to the little monkeys. They are approximately one kilogram in weight. In 2016, yellow fever started to spread throughout Brazil. Over 2,000 individuals fell ill, and 750 of them passed away. Even monkeys became ill. Approximately one-third of the golden lion tamarin population perished due to the disease. Furthermore, even prior to the outbreak, the population was tiny. Thus, in order to keep the monkeys safe, scientists developed a vaccination.
The immunization drive started the previous year. Approximately 300 animals have received vaccinations thus far, and all are said to be doing well. However, the approach signifies a shift in perspective among those who advocate for the preservation of animals. In the past, proponents of conservation have held that direct human intervention with wildlife is inappropriate. “Leave it be” is a well-known proverb in the field of conservation work. According to Luis Paulo Ferraz, President of the Golden Lion Tamarin Association, immunizing animals against extinction is a novel notion. The nonprofit organization is trying to keep the monkeys alive.
The immunization campaign has sparked debate over the extent to which people should go in order to protect wild creatures. There are currently some conservationists who think that humans should conserve animals by applying their most recent scientific discoveries. They contend that because humans are growing where animals reside, they already have a harmful impact on animals worldwide. Therefore, if people can give an animal a shot to aid them, they ought should. Tony Goldberg is a scientist and animal medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He believes in vaccinating wild animals when possible.
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