EPHYR

by Charlotte ruepeney ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 30, 1964

ephyr was a Vervet of ""blue"" monkey, a species common to South and Central Africa, who came to Charlotte and Anne Truepeney when as an infant it lost its mother to hunting dogs. For four shillings, Charlotte bought it from a native to save it from the pot. She found herself with a delightful, demanding pet whose needs, particularly for constant physical closeness, were met with perseverance and devotion. Her sister Anne became foster mother to the little monkey; Charlotte placed second in its affection. The cats, Elliott and particularly the aloof Smokie, acted as monkey sitters, giving the sisters some needed time off. A name for Zephyr prompts this lovely line: ""A Zephyr suggests a little wind of happiness, a mere puff, perhaps, but joyous."" This is what Zephyr brought to the farm in Central Africa. As Zephyr grew, the problem of her future loomed--could she remain a pet, or could she go free as had Jacqueline, the monkey of Mrs. X, and join a band of her own kind? Sadly enough, the sisters were never to find out, for Zephyr succumbed to a heavy dose of anesthetic after she went to have her teeth pulled when she was less than two years old. This loving, lingering close-up of her ways will appeal to those similarly devoted to animals.

Pub Date: July 30, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribners

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION