Maruka was taken out of the forest when she was a baby and spent 12 years in chains. At 4 years of age, her canines were broken to prevent her from biting, and in the process they injured her jaw, nose, and left eye. She is a monkey that has suffered greatly and survived thanks to her determination and stamina.

It took us a year to rescue her, she was the first spider monkey to reach the refuge. Today Maruka is one of the icons of Senda Verde and the oldest of the entire spider monkeys troop. She is our main teacher and healer; a splendid and magical monkey.