Monkey Foraging Video

 This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.— © Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following: you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 5, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT 

Neptune 

Every 8 years, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) assesses the population trends of species. Sadly, for most animals, the numbers are decreasing faster than they can be counted. The majority of primate species are already classified as Vulnerable, and the danger of their total annihilation is fast becoming a reality.

 In 2008, Cotton top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), who are native to Columbia, went from being listed as Endangered to Critically Endangered, which means they are facing the highest risk of extinction in the wild. This species has lost over 80% of its population in just the last 18 years! Their native habitat is being cleared for farmland, leaving their original range fragmented and down to less than 25% of its previous size.

 One of the biggest causes of the drastic decline is the use of cotton top tamarins, as well as other primates, in biomedical research- 30,000 individuals were taken from their native forests in the 1960’s for this inhumane industry. Despite the tenuous status of this species, it is shocking to know that many individuals are still being used in research. “50 animals die in U.S. Labs every minute.” (Michael Budkie, S.A.E.N) 

Neptune is a cotton top tamarin whose parents, Echo and Apollo, were rescued from a research laboratory. When they arrived at Pacific Primate Sanctuary they were terrified and wounded, both physically and mentally. We could see the extent of their suffering in their aberrant behavior and the deep emptiness in their eyes. At the Sanctuary, they were finally given the opportunity to heal their bodies and their minds. Being liberated from exploitation and abuse is only the beginning, recovering from the slavery within can take many generations. With the birth and normal rearing of Neptune, seven years later, we knew their rehabilitation was successful. They were slowly reclaiming their birthright.

Neptune has spent the last 9 years living in an outdoor enclosure with his parents. He has learned how to be a functioning member of a family- sleeping close together for warmth, eating from the same food bowls in harmony, alarm calling to alert the group of potential danger, scent marking the home territory, and tenderly grooming one another.

Neptune and Leticia exploring their enclosure

Neptune has now been paired with Leticia and these unifying behaviors have allowed him to become a remarkable partner. They immediately formed a close bond, and spend countless hours exploring the plants and branches in their enclosure together. If he becomes a father one day, his children will join the “free generation” of monkeys at PPS, who never will have to endure pain and suffering at human hands. Creating his own flourishing family will allow Neptune to live a full life and give us renewed hope for the future of his species.

 Your support can help us prevent the extinction of this unique and precious species. Donate now at: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm

SANCTUARY NEWS 

 Celebration! 
All beings on this planet are sacred, and each individual life is truly a miracle to rejoice in. Here at Pacific Primate Sanctuary we show our appreciation for every single monkey by celebrating his/her birthday. Volunteers mark the birthdays on the monthly calendar, and take extra time on that day to do something really special. Through the many festivities- from Ti leaf presents, to special treats on a woven leaf mat, we have discovered that every primate loves a party!

Anna and Lazero work together to unwrap their birthday present 

Carlos and Margarite use their nimble fingers to open up a Ti leaf present,
along with a beautiful ginger flower, filled with delicious sweet nectar 

On her 17^th birthday, Echo received a mat woven from leaves covered with 

many of her favorite treats spelling out“Happy B-Day 17”

We Mourn the Passing of Beloved Iktomi 

This critically endangered cotton top tamarin spent 13 years at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Over the years, Iktomi’s mobility decreased due to a neurological disorder, until he reached a state of almost total paralysis. Iktomi was so fortunate to have a devoted companion, Leticia, who spent her days grooming him and staying close to provide warmth and comfort.

 Intern Alli remembers this pair well, and writes: “My favorite memories are definitely about both Iktomi and Leticia together. Despite his mobility issues, Iktomi had one of the most luxurious cotton tops of the whole corridor thanks to Leticia. I also loved seeing them snuggled up tight together in the tent at bed time.” 

 Several months ago, Iktomi became immobilized to the extent that he could no longer care for himself. He became totally dependent upon the support of his caregivers, who have tenderly fed him, wrapped him in soft blankets, taken him outdoors into the sunlight, cleaned and bathed him, and deeply enjoyed his company. He was a strong monkey, who cherished every moment of life, despite his lack of mobility. 

PPS volunteers cared for Iktomi devotedly, with mindful awareness of his needs and preferences. Because of their care, he was able to choose the time of his death and passed away quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, April 10th. Iktomi’s undefeated spirit and determination to live, regardless of his physical handicaps, touched all of our hearts.

This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—

© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only

you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 5, Part 2

WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS 

Food Donations 

Emilio enjoys a donated peach slice

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to Down to Earth and Whole Foods Marketplace, two very generous stores here on Maui. Every week, compassionate employees set aside food for us, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, granola, yogurt, and an assortment of treats we could not afford to buy. PPS Volunteers eagerly anticipate Wednesdays, when we go to these two stores to find a bounty of delicious foods, ready to take back to the monkeys. The delighted trills of all the monkeys confirm their excitement at receiving their favorite foods.

Thank you Down to Earth and Whole Foods Marketplace! 

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE MONKEYS

Spread the Word
One of the easiest ways for you to support the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary is by sharing information about our refuge with others. Pass this E-Newsletter on to your family and friends and encourage them to “Like” us on Facebook— http://www.facebook.com/PacificPrimateSanctuary. 

Looking for a worthwhile gift idea for Father’s Day? You can make a donation in honor of your Dad and we will send him a beautiful Contribution Certificate to commemorate your gift. Just send your donation, along with the name and contact information for the person you wish to receive the certificate. Contribution Certificates make wonderful gifts for any special occasion.

 The support of compassionate people is what keeps our good work going. Please choose this meaningful gift so that we can continue to protect and conserve the beings with whom we share the Earth.






Donating to Pacific Primate Sanctuary can be as simple as doing an Internet search, or shopping online- two things that you are probably already doing!

 Visit GoodSearch.com and designate Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your charity of choice and get started using this wonderful program. Each time you do a search using GoodSearch, or shop online using GoodShop, a contribution will be made to PPS!

Volunteer Your Time 
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, Office Assistants, Handy people, and Gardeners/Landscapers. Retirees are welcome. If you live on Maui and are interested in becoming one of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Angels, by volunteering your time and skills, please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net

 How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your contributions to the monkeys. You and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations on our Website: www.pacificprimate.org and on FaceBook, using PayPal, or by sending a check to: Pacific Primate Sanctuary 500-A Haloa Road Haiku, HI 96708 With your support, you make everything we do possible!

PPS INTERNSHIP 

 Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s immersion Internship began 8 years ago, and it is very gratifying to see how the program has grown and deepened. This year we have had many exceptional, well-qualified Intern Applicants. Lucy and Erin have been busy in the office, reading through application material, conducting Skype Interviews, and consulting with senior staff to choose our new Interns. Thank you to our amazing donors who help to fund this program, and to our many outstanding applicants. You are a testament to Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s unique resident Internship experience!

Stephanie was selected as our June 2012-2013 Intern. She will be arriving on June 6th; just one day after Intern Linda heads off to Vet School. Stephanie has a degree in Anthropology with a focus on Primate Behavior, and has spent time studying Chimpanzee behavior at the St. Louis Zoo.

 We are very pleased to have Stephanie join the PPS Team!

This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—

© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only

you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 4, Issue 5, Part 3

CONTINUING EDUCATION 

Special Topic: Intern Mary 
Immaturity in spider monkeys: a risky business

From birth until departure from the subgroup a spider monkey is considered immature. This immature phase is the period of time in which a spider monkey learns how to be an adult and survive without the help of other monkeys. This is also considered to be the most vulnerable time in a spider monkey’s life as he or she is still fairly small in size and learning how to behave like a spider monkey. They learn how to avoid predators, how to interact with group members of the same and opposite sex, and how to forage for food.

 The smaller size of immature spider monkeys makes them extremely vulnerable to predators. Immature spider monkeys, at an age where they are no longer always protected by their mothers, have to learn how to protect themselves and to get the attention of other group members to help them. “Immatures” are often heard alarm calling when no danger is present and even using the wrong call in the presence of predators. If they have separated themselves far enough from their group this is likely to lead to injury, and in some cases can lead to death. Immature monkeys that have traveled too far away not only make themselves easy targets for predators but they also become the targets of aggressive group members. Aggressive group members are more likely to injure immature spider monkeys than they are to kill them, however, an injury can very easily become the main cause of death.

Carlos and Montana Embrace

 During this time of immaturity it is not uncommon for non-mother adult monkeys to occasionally protect and help an immature monkey. Many researchers believe protection from group members other than parents is due to the mentality that the now young “immature” may eventually become the leader of the group or a possible future mate. This mentality also helps older “immatures” emigrate into a new subgroup and become an adult.

Spider monkeys Carlos and Montana were already full grown adults when they arrived at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Even though they were both born in captivity it is likely they went through a similar immature phase as wild spider monkeys go through. Their day-to-day behaviors suggest they have developed the skills needed to survive within their captive habitat. They often embrace and groom each other, behaviors regularly seen in wild adult male spider monkeys, and they can often be heard making the same calls as those heard in the wild. If they had not adjusted well to their environment at PPS, it is more than likely they would not get along as well with each other as they do. It is also more than likely that they would not be able to properly demonstrate the majority of behaviors shown by wild spider monkeys as they currently do.

 -Campbell, Christina J. Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology). UK. Cambridge University Press. 2008.

Special Topic: Intern Annabel
A Study on Aging in Marmosets-Dietary Changes 

As marmosets and tamarins age it is important to adapt their diets to meet their needs. Tooth loss is common in aging primate as in humans, so soft food is given, all nuts are cracked and treats are made more accessible. Supplements may be added to the diet to aid the process of aging. Vitamins B and E are given daily in their food. Apocaps is another supplement that can be used to help with the aging process in elderly primates. Apocaps produces apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death) that helps to kill off old unhealthy cells allowing room for the healthy cells to flourish. The use of Apocaps, developed by Functional Nutriments, can result in the increase in life quality, vitality, activity, and vigor.

Although he was quite robust 

as a younger monkey, 

Abraham began to lose weight 

as he aged.  He now receives a special diet 

to keep him at a healthy weight

As primates age and their bodies start to change they can start to develop certain intolerances and allergies to different types of food. Indicators of food allergies are lots of loose stool after a certain type of food is given. We keep daily records at PPS of all the food that was given, and any monkeys that had loose stool throughout the day. From this we can get a possible idea if monkeys are starting to develop intolerance from any type of food. Once we have located a food irritant we can eradicate it from the diet and offer those monkeys a better alternative.

It is important to monitor aging monkeys for any physical changes. Fat mass is lost as marmosets age so it may be necessary to supplement their diets with foods that are high in fats. The elderly monkeys at PPS have huge appetites and are very much in love with their food. Bruno, the oldest resident marmoset is always very excited for his banana and Echo and Apollo, elderly tamarins, nearly always finish their food bowls. Each individual has differing needs as they age. It is important for caregivers to interpret and meet these needs in order to maintain the monkeys’ health and happiness in their old age.

References
-Apocaps website, Dr. Demian Dressler, http://apocaps.com/faq/
-Abbot DH, Barnett DK, Colman RJ, Yamamoto ME, Schultz-Darken NJ. 2003. Aspects of common marmoset basic biology and life history important for biomedical research.
-Bowdon D. M. Aging in Non Human Primates, 1979 -Tardif S, Araujo A, Arruda M, French J, Sousa M, Yamamoto M. Reproduction and Aging in Marmosets and Tamarins, 2008
-Tardif S, Keith G, Mansfield, Ratnam R, Ross C, Ziegler T, The Marmoset as a Model of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, 2008

Special Topic: Intern Linda 
Marmosets and Tamarins- Chapter 10: From dependence to sexual maturity: the behavioral ontogeny of Callitrichidae 

There are at least four developmental stages recognized in Callitrichidae: infant, juvenile/ adolescent, sub-adult, and young adult. Different stages are determined by changes in behavior and age. Below is a table distinguishing the developmental stage and age in months for Callithrix and Saguinus.

These studies were done in captive situations therefore it is important to note that these observations do not reflect exactly what occurs in nature. 

Cotton top tamarin infants, 

Magnus and Melia, play together

 The infant stage is where most behavioral changes occur and has been studied the most extensively. If an unhealthy infant is born and does not cling to the mother, then they are allowed to drop. Abandonment has also been seen if an infant is unable to move or vocalize. Some of the behaviors that are seen in the infant stage include feeding, play, and agonistic behaviors (any social behavior related to fighting- includes threats, displays, retreats, placating aggressors, and conciliation). Feeding during the infant stage begins with nursing, moves on to sampling solid foods from the family, and finally venturing into trying new foods on their own.

In the juvenile stage young tamarin/marmoset interact with other group members besides parents and are now able to solicit grooming and groom others.

At the sub-adult age they are about 82% of their adult body weight and have mastered most of the adult behaviors, however they have not yet reached sexual maturity and are not breeding.

Callitrichids reach the adult phase from 12 to 21 months. Within this age range they attain full adult size and appearance. They also reach sexual maturity and are able to reproduce.

 -Rylands, A.B. Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1993.

 “There is more to life than just yourself, your own family and your own kind" - Lawrence Anthony 

Lawrence Anthony saved, lived with, and rehabilitated rogue elephants. He passed away on March 7, 2012. In speaking of him, Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D. said: “A good man died suddenly, and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funeral’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.”


 We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 70 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form families, and live free from exploitation.

This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—

© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only

you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.