When baby gibbon Miki was born at Skopje Zoo in Macedonia, his first moments weren’t filled with warmth—they were marked by injury and heartbreak after being abandoned by his mother. Fragile and vulnerable, Miki’s survival depended on someone stepping in with love and dedication. That someone was Zera Bekirovska, a devoted zookeeper who took Miki into her arms and heart. What followed was a story of compassion, round-the-clock care, and a bond that defies species.
A Rough Start to Life
Tiny and fragile, baby gibbon Miki came into the world at Skopje Zoo in Macedonia with the odds already stacked against him. Not only was he injured shortly after birth, but he was also heartbreakingly abandoned by his mother. In the wild or in captivity, maternal rejection is rare but devastating—especially for primates, who, like humans, rely deeply on nurturing care in their earliest days.
Enter Zera, the Zoo’s Gentle Guardian
Thankfully, Miki’s story took a hopeful turn when longtime zookeeper and experienced surrogate mom Zera Bekirovska stepped in. With tenderness and patience, Zera took Miki into her care—feeding him, holding him close, changing his diapers, and even sleeping beside him to mimic the warmth and constant presence a mother would provide. For Zera, this wasn’t new; she had already raised other abandoned baby monkeys—Luka, Dino, and Delfina—with the same round-the-clock dedication.
Love, Comfort, and Healing
Miki requires 24-hour care, much like a human newborn. His tiny body and deep emotional needs demand not just medical attention but love and security. Under Zera’s watch, he’s begun to recover physically and emotionally, slowly building trust, strength, and the joyful spirit every baby gibbon should be free to explore. Each cuddle and feeding brings him closer to healing from the trauma of abandonment.
A Bond That Goes Beyond Species
The connection between Zera and Miki is a heartwarming reminder of the deep bonds that can form between humans and animals, especially when compassion leads the way. Zera’s quiet heroism—offering love where it’s most needed—highlights the beauty of caretaking, and the extraordinary difference one person can make in an animal’s life.
A Future Full of Hope
Though Miki’s life began with pain and uncertainty, he is now surrounded by warmth, comfort, and care. With Zera by his side, he’s not just surviving—he’s learning how to thrive. His story is a touching example of resilience, second chances, and the quiet power of love to mend even the smallest, most fragile hearts.
Sameen is a digital marketing and content specialist well versed in curating content aligned to audience needs. She has a passion for animals and creating animal content across social media.
