PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT
Meet Bruno
On July 4, 1994, a white tufted eared marmoset infant was born in
a research facility. This tiny being was labeled “MJ-6642”, just another item
to be used and exploited. Animals
at the lab were treated like manufactured goods- used for whatever purposes the
researchers saw fit, regardless of the consequences to the animal. For 3 years,
“MJ-6642” lived in this situation, with no access to the outside world, a
prisoner in solitary confinement.
In 1997, he was given refuge by Pacific Primate Sanctuary, where
he was finally able to find a place of peace. We named him Bruno, and introduced him to Brenda, a
beautiful white tufted eared marmoset female. We think that Bruno must have been housed alone in the
laboratory and not fed enough. When we first paired them, he treated Brenda as
a threat, and was domineering and very possessive over food. With patience and some behavioral
conditioning, Bruno soon learned to share his life and his food with his new
companion. Bruno and Brenda spent
many years together in their outdoor enclosure. When Brenda passed away 2 years ago, Bruno seemed lost
and lonely. Eventually, he was paired with Frieda. These two get along very well, and are often seen grooming
one another.
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Frieda grooming Bruno
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Bruno just celebrated his 18th
birthday, and is the oldest marmoset at the Sanctuary. In his old age, he is beginning to slow
down, and PPS caregivers have customized his enclosure to make maneuvering in
his space easier. He also receives
a special diet, with high calorie foods, as weight loss is very common in
elderly monkeys.
We have many monkeys that are in this geriatric stage of life,
each with their own needs. The Sanctuary’s animal care expenditures have
greatly increased in order to provide for an aging population of monkeys at PPS.
They require specialized diets and supplements, additional medical care, and an
increased use of heat lamps, resulting in higher electric bills. In order to
accommodate the monkeys’ diminishing mobility, we also have a pressing need for
additional walkways, resting shelves, and ramps in their enclosures. Your support will help us provide the
best care possible for Bruno and our other elderly monkeys.
Please donate now at: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm
SANCTUARY NEWS
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| Lazero |
This
month we mourn the passing of Lazero and Magnus, two critically endangered cotton top
tamarins. Lazero loved his outdoor enclosure, and spent every day exploring his
plants and branches along with his companion, Anna. There was a tree in his enclosure, with a fork in the
middle, which was his favorite place to sit. He could often be found clinging to either of the branches,
basking in the sunshine. Lazero
always had amazing energy, and a very strong presence.
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| Magnus |
Magnus was
often seen running, jumping and playing with his twin sister, Melia. He brought joy into the Sanctuary with
his exuberant energy.
Lazero and Magnus will
both be greatly missed by all who loved and cared for them.
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