Chiquito is Afraid to be Free

      Chiquito continued to act depressed when he was alone, so I decided to take him out of the cage in the hopes that it would cheer him up.  Since he doesn't belong in a house (and would be too destructive), that meant "going outside to play."
      Unfortunately Paul had visions of Chiquito disappearing into the jungle never to be seen again, so I agreed to take full responsibility.  I not only wasn't worried, but felt it was necessary:
     1)  Chiquito craves physical contact with us, so why would he run?
     2)  Chiquito would still be dependent on his mother in the wild, so where would he turn for food, shelter and protection without us?  He's an intelligent primate who was raised by caring humans.
     3) Chiquito must spend time in the wild to "learn the ropes" or we won't be able to release him successfully when he is mature.
     Paul carried Chiquito up into the half acre above the house where we plan to build a large pre-release area.  And then he tried to scrape him off.  But Chiquito was afraid to be free.
     When Chiquito did eventually climb down, it was to scurry across the field for the house.  He doesn't know he was born wild.

Chiquito clings to Paul...

...until he makes a beeline for the house.