Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part 1

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter.

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Viola was born on March 10, 2008 and, unfortunately, was rejected by her parents. She was found the next morning, lying on the ground, cold and barely breathing. She hardly had the energy to cry. Had Sanctuary interns, Erin and Tez, not responded in the pre-dawn hours, Viola would not have survived. Her life was hanging by a thread. We contacted other facilities to get advice on hand-rearing Capuchin infants, and were told by many that it was nearly impossible. However, we weren’t going to give up on this little life so easily.

Viola, Day One

The first few weeks were a critical period for baby Viola. Sanctuary interns worked around the clock to care for her, waking several times each night to provide food and comfort. In her role as primary caregiver, Intern Erin found that opening her heart fully to this amazing being was vital to the infant’s survival.



Viola grew rapidly during her first several months. She became more alert, and examined her surroundings. Soon she was climbing, exploring her environment, and eating solid food. The Interns began to wean Viola off of bottle-feeding. She was brought up near the other Capuchins regularly, to become familiar and learn normal behaviors and communication. These were both important steps in bringing Viola closer to independence.

Viola at 5 months old

Finally, after five months of constant care, it was time for the baby to return to her own kind. We planned to introduce Viola to Miranda, her Grandmother, in the hopes that she would be accepted and cared for in the best possible way- by another Capuchin Monkey.

Eventually, Viola was released into the large enclosure with Miranda. It was a beautiful sight; Miranda was so protective and caring. In a short time, the adventurous youngster was running and playing in her new environment. She bonded with Miranda. We were excited to see this human reared monkey climb onto her Grandmother’s back, and hang on as Miranda carried her from branch to branch.

Viola carried by her Grandmother Miranda

Viola turned 2 on March 10, 2010, and we celebrated by giving the Capuchins banana cake, and special “presents” filled with peanut butter, banana, and raisins. All four Capuchins were very excited with this extra special treat. Viola has now been living with Miranda for a year and a half, and continues to be an adventurous young monkey. She spends hours jumping around in the greenery and swinging from branches and ropes. She and Miranda have formed a close bond, and enjoy grooming each other and playing together.

Viola's Birthday Surprise




Viola has learned much from Miranda about Capuchin behaviors, and she responds to things just the same as the other Capuchin Monkeys. We are so happy to have successfully raised Viola, and even more importantly, we are thrilled that she will live out her life as a monkey, just as she deserves!



Two year old Viola, peering through the trees






NOTABLE NEWS

This has certainly been a busy and exciting month at Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Construction has begun on the new extension, and many of the monkeys have been very inquisitive about the process.

A local tourist attraction approached us about taking Carlos and Montana, two Black-Handed Spider Monkeys who had been living there for the past 16 years. The PPS Board has approved building and providing a permanent home to these brothers. We are very fortunate to have two Volunteers with experience working with Spider Monkeys. Morgan S. spent several years working as zookeeper in Florida, and cared for a colony of Spider Monkeys there. Dana, our newest Intern, volunteered at the Denver Zoo prior to coming to PPS and was able to work with the Spider Monkeys.

We are glad that Morgan S. and Dana can share their experience and knowledge with us at this time. Hooray for synchronicity! Erin spent time working with Carlos and Montana to habituate them with a traveling crate. They were soon comfortable entering the crate, which made the transition smooth and less stressful for the two Spider Monkeys. They were safely transferred to Pacific Primate Sanctuary on Sunday March 7, 2010. The two boys were unsure at first, but seem to have settled in comfortably to their new home. They really seem to enjoy the many branches and ropes in their new enclosure. They have been swinging with great agility from branch to rope back and forth across their new habitat. They have a very close bond, and spend much of their time huddled together, often wrapping their arms around each other. We are very excited to welcome them to Pacific Primate Sanctuary!


Pacey, an ex-pet, has been showing some interest in Vida, a nearby female, this month. Vida has also been spending a lot of time watching Pacey. This is very exciting news, as Pacey has shown very little interest in other monkeys before, and has usually been more engrossed with watching his human caretakers. We will continue to keep Pacey and Vida close together, and hopefully we will be able to pair the two!

Pacey enjoys a hibiscus flower

Allegra and Sebastian were successfully paired this month. Sebastian was living with his twin brother, Leonardo, but began showing a lot of interest in surrounding females. We decided it was time for these brothers to have female companions. Allegra was living alone, and seemed like the perfect candidate. Sure enough, we put these two together and they connected instantly! The two are spending much time grooming each other and enjoy exploring their outdoor green room together. We are working towards pairing Leonardo as well, and have a female outside his enclosure and are watching them for signs of positive interest.

The Capuchins have also been doing very well! Miranda has really enjoyed playing with Viola, even hanging from her tail and play wrestling with her young companion.

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Bruno, an elderly White-Tufted Eared Marmoset is tucked warmly into the blankets in his sleeping house.

Prospero, a Capuchin Monkey, enjoys a quiet nap in the sun

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