Worm’s Rehabilitation Progress: From First Bath to First Dubai Roach

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:51:26 +0000

Worm has reached a meaningful milestone in his rehabilitation journey at APES Shelter.

When he first arrived, he required careful cleaning and supportive care. This week, our team successfully bathed him, gently removing dried urine and faeces from his coat. It was a delicate process that required patience, calm handling, and close monitoring.

A Fresh Start

At first, Worm looked very sorry for himself.

Fresh from his bath, he resembled a tiny drowned rat and was not entirely impressed with us. Rehabilitation can be undignified at times, but cleanliness is essential for skin health, comfort, and recovery.

Why Hygiene Matters in Primate Rehabilitation

Clean fur reduces the risk of skin infection
It supports healthy temperature regulation
It allows accurate health and behavioural assessment
It restores dignity and comfort during recovery

Our position is clear. Best practice in primate rehabilitation requires thorough hygiene management delivered with compassion, structured oversight, and welfare first handling.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Then came a turning point.

Worm was offered his first Dubai roach since entering our care. His response was immediate. Curiosity returned. Energy lifted. Appetite is one of the strongest indicators of improving health in primates during rehabilitation, and seeing him engage so enthusiastically was a powerful moment for the team.

Supporters often ask how we measure progress. In primate rehabilitation, appetite, interaction, and behavioural expression are essential markers of recovery.

“Recovery is not just about survival. It is about restoring comfort, appetite, confidence, and dignity.”

Comfort Restored

Once feeding was complete, it was time to dry off properly.

Worm quickly demonstrated just how comfortable he was feeling. Perhaps a little too comfortable if you ask us.

As you can see from the video below, he discovered the radiator and made himself entirely at home. Warmth plays a role in comfort and energy conservation for primates recovering from neglect. Controlled heating within a supervised environment supports wellbeing during early stages of care.

Watching him stretch out, settle, and visibly relax was a reassuring sign. In primate rehabilitation, behavioural relaxation is a meaningful welfare indicator.

What This Means for Worm

Signs of Positive Progress

Strong appetite response
Relaxed body posture
Curiosity and engagement
Comfort seeking behaviour

Ongoing Care Needs

Continued nutritional support
Structured enrichment planning
Routine health monitoring
Behavioural assessment and social evaluation

Worm still has distance to travel in his recovery. Primate rehabilitation is a structured, carefully supervised process that focuses on both physical health and psychological stability.

Educational Note

Primates have complex behavioural, social, and environmental needs. Inadequate housing, poor hygiene, and inappropriate nutrition can quickly lead to distress, health complications, and behavioural suppression.

At APES Shelter, our rehabilitation approach prioritises dignity, enrichment, environmental stability, and welfare led handling practices. Responsible ownership of primates requires specialist knowledge, lawful compliance, and long term commitment.

Heartfelt Update on Our Relocation Journey

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:27:31 +0000

Heartfelt Update on Our Relocation Journey 💔🏠🐾

Dear APES Family and Supporters,

As your dedicated UK-based Community Interest Company leading the charge in exotic species welfare, the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC (APES CIC) continues our unwavering commitment to evidence-led advocacy, compassionate rescue, preventative education, and meaningful reform. We exist to protect vulnerable endangered wildlife, guide responsible ownership, and build a brighter future for biodiversity. Today, with heavy hearts but unbreakable hope, we're sharing an honest and emotional update on our urgent relocation. 🥺❤️

A Painful Setback in Our Search for a Safe Home 😔

We poured everything into pursuing what felt like the perfect premises in St Helens – a space that promised better biosecurity, improved animal care facilities, full accessibility, and the stability our rescued animals so desperately deserve. We were so close... viewing arranged, discussions underway, dreams of a fresh start alive and glowing. ✨

But unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. 💔 The owner ultimately chose to sell to a buyer rather than rent to us. This heartbreaking decision leaves us still searching, with our fixed deadline of 3 March 2026 approaching far too quickly.

Hearing this news felt like a punch to the gut. We know how much is at stake – the beautiful exotic animals who trust us every single day, the over 20 students whose futures in animal welfare hang in the balance, and the countless lives we've touched through education, rescue, and advocacy. The thought of any disruption to their care brings tears to our eyes. 🐍🦎🐢😢

But We Will NOT Give Up – Our Mission Is Too Important! 💪❤️

We refuse to let this setback stop us. Our team is searching tirelessly, exploring every possible option, and fighting with every ounce of determination to find a new home that meets our high welfare standards. We remain focused on the St Helens area to keep our community close and our care uninterrupted.

This journey has tested us, but your incredible support has kept us standing strong. Every message of encouragement, every shared post, every donation, they remind us why we do this. Together, we protect the voiceless, prevent crises before they start, and push for systemic change in exotic species protection. You are our strength. 🙏💬

Why This Matters So Deeply for the Animals We Love 🐾🌍

Exotic species face unimaginable challenges, habitat loss, illegal trade, misunderstanding. They need safe, enriched environments with expert care, proper ventilation, biosecurity, and space to thrive. A stable new base means we can rescue more, educate wider, and advocate louder for ethical, welfare-first practices that align with UK laws and global conservation goals.

Your help today ensures we can continue being that beacon of hope and reform, because these incredible creatures deserve nothing less. ❤️

Please Stand With Us – Your Support Means Everything Right Now 🤲💖

We are still in urgent need of donations to cover deposits, essential adaptations, transport, and setup costs for wherever our new home may be. Every single pound brings us closer to security and continued impact.

If this cause touches your heart, please visit our special appeal page and give what you can: https://www.apes.org.uk/help-us-move 🏠💰

Even small, regular donations create sustainable growth and power our preventative education work. Share this with friends, family, or fellow animal lovers, your voice amplifies ours! 📣🐾

Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts for standing with APES during this emotional chapter. We are hopeful, we are resilient, and with you by our side, we will find our way forward. Together, we build a stronger, kinder future for exotic wildlife. 🌟🐾

More updates soon, stay close. We love you all.

With endless gratitude and determination, The APES CIC Team 🫶

This update is shared for transparency and community support. APES CIC operates fully in line with UK regulations as a Community Interest Company. Donations support public benefit activities in exotic species welfare.

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