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

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Macaco and Pacey

Pacey

Macaco and Pacey have been slowly getting to know each other, in separate enclosures, for many weeks.

Both are ex-pets, raised by humans, and rehabilitated at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. They had bitten people before they came and were in a state of identity confusion. When they arrived, both were silent in an environment filled with primate conversation. The monkeys at the Sanctuary greeted the newcomers, but Macao and Pacey made no response. Macaco was used to sleeping in a sock and a motorcycle helmet. They related, (inappropriately), to their human caregivers, and did not know how to respond to others of their own species.

Macaco

For many months Macaco and Pacey watched and listened to the monkey families in the Sanctuary with intense interest and wonder. Growing up indoors, they had restricted movement and limited ability to navigate in the outdoors. Over time, they have learned to communicate in their own language, grown adept at running along branches, jumping, climbing, and living in the natural world. Their diet has expanded to include a full range of tropical fruits, plants and greens; much closer to what they would eat in their native forests. Slowly, they are becoming who they were meant to be— monkeys.

This week, Pacey and Macaco were both introduced into an outside enclosure together. One of the most important stages of their transformation has begun— learning to live with a companion of their own kind in the outside world. They now have the opportunity to experience, what all primates need, a relationship with another being of their own kind who understands, trusts, and cares about them.

Macaco (left) and Pacey (right) getting to know one another

Please help us continue to provide refuge for ex-pets like Pacey and Macaco. Donate now at http://www.pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm

SANCTUARY NEWS

Carlos basking in

the sunlight

Spring is on its way, the days are getting longer and warmer. Now that the rains of winter are subsiding, the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary are spending more and more time outdoors in the sun. The weather has been wonderful for the orchard, and the citrus trees continue to be loaded with ripe oranges, lemons and grapefruits, while the papaya trees are overflowing, providing the monkeys with a bounty of fruit.

Solomon watches

floating bubbles

Intern Simon and Extern Mary Catherine introduced the monkeys to non-toxic bubbles this month for some new and exciting enrichment! Ernesto, a White-tufted Eared Marmoset, seemed quite perplexed as every attempt to catch an elusive bubble failed. Solomon, a Black-tufted Eared Marmoset, watched with fascination as several bubbles floated skyward. Olivia and her mate Lucian, a pair of White-tufted Eared Marmosets, were particularly enchanted with the bubbles, and Olivia even tried to chomp one! All in all, this new enrichment was a great success, providing wonderful entertainment to the many monkeys at PPS.

Olivia grasps at a bubble

Happily, we have been able to pair four solitary monkeys this month! These pairings are still in the early stages, and we are hopeful that the two pairs will continue to get along well into the future. First, we introduced Emilio and Vida. Emilio’s partner passed away several months ago, and he has been indicating that he would like a companion again. Vida has been introduced to other monkeys in the past, but was irritable and intolerant- making pairing attempts unsuccessful. We were very excited when she began to show an interest in Emilio. Initially, when we put the two together, Vida ignored Emilio’s attempts to gain her attention. However, after a few days of sleeping in separate sleeping houses and exploring the enclosure separately, the two began to bond! They are now sharing the same sleeping house, cuddling up together at night and scampering around their enclosure together. Even more recently, we have put Pacey and Macaco, two ex-pets, together in an enclosure. The two seem to be content sharing their living space, and we are looking forward to watching as a bond grows between the two monkeys.

At 15 years old, Gaia and Galatea

are still healthy and happy!

March is a big birthday month for the monkeys at PPS. Gaia and Galatea, twin Saddleback Tamarins just turned 15 on March 2nd! Solomon, a Black-tufted Eared Marmoset, had his 11th birthday on the 7th.
Viola, a young Capuchin monkey had her 3rd birthday on March 10th. Twin Black-tufted Eared Marmosets Viktor and Allegra will be celebrating their birthdays on March 11th, while their older brothers Carlos and Guido have their birthday on the 21st. Cotton Top Tamarin Leticia will be turning 10 on March 22, and Fiona; a White-tufted Eared Marmoset will have her birthday on March 26th!

Viola’s Third Birthday Celebration

Complete with treats wrapped in leaves, 

and delicious papaya-strawberry snacks

Happy Birthday to all Our Primate Friends!











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