Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 10, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Lucian:

Lucian was born on October 23, 2003 in a research laboratory. He is a White-tufted Eared Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The first year and a half of his life was spent in a windowless room with no access to the outside world or green plants. In March 2004, Lucian, along with his parents and siblings came to Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Lucian was soon paired with Olivia, a young female who had been human reared after her mother passed away in childbirth. She had an unusual upbringing, and lacked some normal social skills she would have picked up had her mother survived. Over the years, Lucian and Olivia have formed a close bond and have raised their offspring together. Through this process, Olivia has learned normal marmoset behaviors and communication. Lucian has been given the opportunity to live as every monkey deserves- he spends hours in the sun, running and leaping through the branches and leaves in his home. He became a father, and helped to successfully raise his children. The pair has now been together for almost 6 years; they have formed a family and created natural social bonds.

Unfortunately, Lucian, along with all the other monkeys who arrived with him, has recurring intestinal troubles. Sanctuary Volunteers have spent many hours providing Lucian with special care each time he became lethargic and dehydrated, nursing him gently back to health. We have discovered which foods upset his stomach, and have altered his diet. Finally, last year, our Veterinarian found a medication to combat Lucian’s problem. This medication is wonderful and Lucian’s health has been great, however, he will have to be on it for the rest of his life. Lucian’s mate Olivia, has a heart condition, and is also on lifetime medication.

Your support can supply Lucian and his mate Olivia with these vital medications, as well as providing the materials for much-needed new soft sleeping houses!
Donate Now

NOTABLE NEWS

Sebastian examining yellow ginger

We are heading into winter, and beginning to see more rainy days. This rain has done wonders for the plants around the Sanctuary, and many delightful fruits are growing. The monkeys have been enjoying fresh strawberry guava, passion fruit and jackfruit, just to name a few. Papayas were donated by Down to Earth last month and Gaia and Galatea (twin Saddleback Tamarins) were particularly fond of the fruit, contentedly eating side by side.
Some delicious flowers are also in bloom, including yellow ginger and hibiscus.
The Capuchins were excited when we planted new trees in their enclosures, including Fig trees and Hibiscus bushes. The figs aren’t growing yet, but they were able to suck the sweet nectar from the hibiscus flowers. The Spider Monkeys have been most enthusiastic about the fresh greens they have been given from the garden, including Ibica (a tropical leafy vegetable), kale and Swiss chard!

THE ENCLOSURES IN THE NEW EXTENSION ARE COMPLETE!
We have begun the process of moving the monkeys into their new outdoor homes. Bruno, whose mate recently passed away, was moved into his outdoor enclosure, and has been exploring all of the greenery. Leonardo and Dyna were also moved into the new extension, and are thoroughly enjoying their new space.

Leonardo and Dyna in their new outdoor enclosure

Pacey enjoys his Birthday
 in his new home

We will be celebrating several birthdays this upcoming month! Pacey, a White Tufted-eared Marmoset just turned 6 on September 29th. Lucas, another White Tufted-eared Marmoset will also be turning 6 on October 14th.  Lucian and Olivia will both be having birthdays this month- just one day apart! Lucian turns 7 on October 23, and his mate Olivia will be turning 9 on October 24th.

Please join us in wishing our primate friends a very Happy Birthday!

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Little Bea, a White Tufted-eared Marmoset, sits near a Red Ginger in her portable. She and her housemate Oona will soon be moved to an outdoor enclosure in the new PPS Extension!

Prospero, a Capuchin monkey, examines his fur after grooming with an Etrog, a citron fruit. This grooming behavior is thought to help keep insects away. To see this in action, please watch our video,

“Prospero Enjoys an Etrog” on YouTube

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