Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Adam’s parents Echo and Apollo were rescued from a research facility. When they arrived they were traumatized, and injured both mentally and physically- missing fingers, toes and Echo also had a torn lower lip. We provided them with a home that was free from terror and exploitation. Their physical injuries healed and we helped them overcome some of their emotional wounds as well. Over time, Echo and Apollo began to thrive socially- forming a close bond. We knew their rehabilitation was successful when they became parents, giving birth to Adam on January 20, 1998- two years after their arrival. Adam lived with his parents for several years, helping to raise his younger siblings when they were born, just like tamarins would do in the wild. This is an opportunity that is often stolen from monkeys born in many research facilities, where the young are taken from their parents as infants. Adam learned many important social behaviors from his parents. When he was paired with Nadine, he knew how to be a partner and a father. Adam helped raise his children, carrying them around on his back, and sharing equally in the parenting responsibilities.

Adam is a Cotton top tamarin, a species that has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN RedList. Over the last 18 years, their population has been reduced by over 80%, and is continuing to decline. With a species on the brink of extinction, each individual is especially sacred, and every new birth is a miracle. Cotton top tamarins who can successfully raise offspring, such as Adam, give us hope for the future of the species.

Please help us continue to provide monkeys like Adam a home where they can live with others of their own kind, and provide hope for the survival of their species. Donate now at: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm

SANCTUARY NEWS

The monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary had a great holiday season! Humans aren’t the only primates that enjoy special occasions, so we made sure the monkeys were included in all of the celebrations. We decked the halls with bright colorful lights, and the monkeys watched the visual display in wonder each evening, before snuggling in to bed. Sanctuary Volunteers cooked special meals of warm oatmeal and baked apples, along with slices of freshly picked citrus fruit. Small packages of dried fruits and nuts were wrapped up in ti-leaf “wrapping paper”.

Every monkey received one of these presents to unwrap, simulating his or her natural foraging behavior. The presents were a huge success, and the monkeys had a great time tearing open their packages to get to the delicious treats inside.

Li, a friend of Intern Linda’s, volunteered his time and skills to benefit the monkeys while he was on Maui. Li drilled holes in the bottom of several nestboxes, making them easier for our caregivers to clean. He also cut and drilled PPS bamboo to make two new bamboo bridges. Sanctuary Volunteers later put these wonderful new bridges into two enclosures so the monkeys can enjoy them.
Thank you Li for your contributions!

Jason examines his new bamboo bridge

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