Heat wave kills howler monkeys

Temperatures in mid-40s C hit coastal state of Tobasco

- MARK STEVENSON

MEXICO CITY It's so hot in Mexico that howler monkeys are falling dead from the trees.

At least 138 of the mid-size primates, who are known for their roaring vocal calls, were found dead in the Gulf Coast state of Tabasco since May 16, according to the Biodiversity Conservation of The Usumacinta group. Others were rescued by residents, including five that were rushed to a local veterinarian who battled to save them.

"They arrived in critical condition, with dehydration and fever," said Dr. Sergio Valenzuela. "They were as limp as rags. It was heatstroke."

Although Mexico's brutal heat wave has been linked to the deaths of at least 26 people since March, veterinarians and rescuers say it has killed dozens and perhaps hundreds of howler monkeys. About a third of the country saw highs of 45 Clast Tuesday.

In the town of Tecolutilla, Tabasco, the dead monkeys started appearing a week ago, when a local volunteer fire-and-rescue squad showed up with five of the creatures in the bed of a truck.

Normally quite intimidating, howler monkeys are muscular and some can be as tall as three feet, with tails just as long. Some males weigh more than 30 pounds and can live up to 20 years. They are equipped with big jaws and a fearsome set of teeth and fangs. But mostly they're known for their lionlike roars, which bely their size.

"They (the volunteers) asked for help, they asked if I could examine some of the animals they had in their truck," Valenzuela said. "They said they didn't have any money, and asked if I could do it for free."

The veterinarian put ice on their limp little hands and feet, and hooked them up to IV drips with electrolytes.