Primate Update 9/13

Many of the animals at Pacific Primate Sanctuary are geriatric, and require special care to ensure their needs are met and their health concerns are addressed.  As the monkeys age, we see a variety of physical problems including decreased mobility, weight loss, and a reduced ability to maintain body heat. PPS Caregivers face the unique challenge of keeping the monkeys healthy and safe, while providing them with the means to maintain their independence.  We have created specialized walkways that allow monkeys with limited mobility to continue living in their outdoor enclosures, using heat lamps and extra blankets to keep them warm.  We provide them with specialized diets to help prevent weight loss.  While these things allow the animals to continue to live out their lives in the green world, we also want to ensure that the monkeys are feeling their best as well.

We are very fortunate to work with a remarkable Veterinarian who has helped us find medications and supplements to deal with the problems of aging. One of the supplements that we have been using for all of the geriatric monkeys is Apocaps, which supports the critical biological process of apoptosis, and was actually created by our Veterinarian, Dr. Dressler. “Apoptosis safely and naturally dismantles and clears old and damaged cells from the body”. As animals (including humans) age, cell death slows down, leaving old and damaged cells in the body. Apocaps facilitates the clearing out of these unhealthy cells. The average lifespan of Marmosets in captivity is approximately 12 years. The Marmosets at PPS are living to be 17-19 years old. It appears that Apocaps is allowing the animals to live longer, healthier lives!

Recently, we have explored the use of Reiki, an ancient Japanese spiritual healing art, for the monkeys. We are very thankful to Eve-Lynne, who works with Hospice Maui, and volunteered her time to do a Reiki session with Bruno.  Bruno is 19 years old, the oldest marmoset at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, and is currently healing from a broken leg.

Please help us provide special care for the elderly monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, donate now at: http://pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm

MALAMA ‘AINA, MALAMA KANAKA

                                 Take care of the land and the land will take care of you!

Many cleaning, beauty care, and medicinal products that are on the market contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment and our health. In this new section of the PPS E-Newsletter, we want to share information to help take care of our beautiful world while caring for ourselves!

The following chart contains valuable uses for natural, nontoxic, everyday products. Please check the companies that produce the products, to make sure that they are cruelty free and not tested on animals: http://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping.php

 


Reference: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8403/72-uses-for-simple-household-products-to-save-money-avoid-toxins.html

WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a small community of volunteers, doing a big job.  We spend very little on fundraising and nothing on administration. Your donations go directly to caring for the animals!

 

The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.

With your support, you make everything we do possible!

How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary 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

Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are looking for mature team players who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome.  Please e-mail us at pps@pacificprimate.org  if you are interested in joining the PPS Team and offering your selfless service to the monkeys.
There are many other ways to help Pacific Primate Sanctuary, to find out more please visit our website: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Edie
The Complete Capuchin; A Brief Overview of Capuchin Teeth, Tail and Hand Characteristics

The capuchin diet includes a variety of foods that are obtained from hard woody substrates, foods that have hard husks and other encased foods.  Their jaws and teeth have particular characteristics that aid them in obtaining and consuming these food items.  Mandible (lower jaw) adaptations allow the capuchins to withstand vigorous pulling and mastication (chewing).

All of the capuchin’s teeth are more thickly enameled that that of other primates.  They have thick strong canines, long incisors and square molars shaped in a manner that helps with cracking and grinding.  The front center of their mandible is thickened to withstand bending strain from biting and pulling with their incisors and the mandible muscles have a larger ratio to support these motions giving them a stronger bite.

Capuchins have a semi-prehensile tail.  Prehensile tails are able to both support weight and grasp and hold.  It can be used as another appendage to aid in locomotion and food manipulation.  Spider monkeys have a fully prehensile tail.  They are able to completely support their body weight from their tail in suspensory postures and can use their tail to hold and manipulate their food.  Spider monkeys have a hairless skin patch at the tip of their tail that has sensory bodies similar to those found in fingertips. The capuchins however are considered to have only a semi prehensile tail.  Adult capuchins rarely suspend their body weight solely from their tail.  The tail is fully furred and lacks the specialized sensory skin found in the atelines (spider monkeys) and is not as dexterous or flexible.  They are however are able pick up small objects with their tail and use it for other precise maneuvers.

The capuchins use their tail to assist in locomotion by grasping supports as they move quadrapedally.  The tail is also used to assist in foraging by stabilize their posturing.  In the “inverse bipedal” posture the tail anchors the body while the body hangs downward with the back feet holding onto supports or are pushing against a surface.  This posture frees the hands for food searching, gathering and manipulation.  Tail assistance is prominent in the seated posture.  When the monkey is seated the tail wraps around a support essentially allowing the capuchin to remain stable while exerting force necessary to break into encased food sources.

Capuchin hands have great dexterity and strength.  The capuchin has a pseudo opposable thumb that allows the monkey precision grip on objects.  The pseudo opposable thumb flexes parallel to the other digits when picking something up.  They lack the specialized “saddle joint” that humans have that allow us to rotate our thumbs so the tip of the thumb and the tip of the other digits can face each other.  They lack the structure and muscles that give humans the ability for joint rotation.  The “saddle joint” gives humans the range of motion to cross our thumb into the tips of the other digits.  While capuchins do not have this saddle joint they are capable of increased range of motion and strength compared to that of other new world monkeys. The capuchins utilize strength and precision grip in their manual functions and have specific anatomical features that allow them this necessary strength and enhanced dexterity.  Capuchins are able to perform a variety of precision grips similar to those used by old world monkeys and apes.  They are capable of this due to their adapted skeletal structure that allows some opposability between the thumb and other digits.  Capuchins are the only platyrrhine (new world monkey) taxon capable of this.

Reference:
-Fragaszy, D., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L. (2004). The Complete Capuchin-The Biology of the Genus Cebus. Cambridge University Press.


Special Topic: Intern Rachel
Vocal Chart: Cotton Top Tamarins

The vocalizations of cotton top tamarins are extensive, but are derived from the variation of two basic sounds and the various combinations of those elements. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified 38 distinct sounds and combinations.  Below is a chart containing most of these different calls, many of which are heard daily from the PPS cotton-tops!

All above information taken from the website: http://proyectotiti.com/english/vocalizations.htm
 

“Human beings are a part of the animal kingdom, not apart from it. The separation of "us" and "them" creates a false picture and is responsible for much suffering. It is part of the in-group/out-group mentality that leads to human oppression of the weak by the strong as in ethic, religious, political, and social conflicts.”  ― Marc Bekoff, Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect




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 60 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.


www.apocaps.com

Primate Update 8/13

Insights from PPS Operations Manager, Erin
Eco-Living and Conscious Consumerism:  BE THE CHANGE!

I came to Pacific Primate Sanctuary because I wanted to help animals, and do something positive in a world that is suffering.  This beautiful planet that we live on is being destroyed- many species are on the brink of extinction, rainforests (including the native habitat of the monkeys at PPS) are diminishing at a rate of 32 million acres (an area the size of Costa Rica) per year, chemicals are being added to our food supply, the oceans are littered with trash, and our natural resources are dwindling.

This destruction is occurring on a global level, and often seems so far removed from our daily lives that we feel powerless to do anything about it.  In reality, we all make choices every day that have an effect on the world, including how we utilize our resources, what companies we support, and which products we purchase and use.                                              

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”            ― Jane Goodall

The definition of green living is: any action or activity that results in a positive impact, to any degree, on the environment so that the planet can continue to support future generations.  The Hawaiians say “Malama ‘Aina, Malama Kanaka”, which in English means: Take care of the Land and the Land will take care of you.                                                                                          

I have been focusing on adopting a “greener” lifestyle to reduce my impact on the land.  I am making an effort to decrease my water and electricity usage, utilize reusable items instead of single-use items, recycle, eliminate cleaners with toxic chemicals, and make better choices about the products that I buy and use. “Conscious Consumerism” focuses on supporting companies that are in alignment with your values, and avoiding companies that are in opposition. Specifically, I always look for companies that don’t test on animals, don’t use chemicals or palm oil in their products, and are fair trade.

One person making these choices and changes may not seem to have a huge impact, but the more we spread the word, and the more people that begin to live a “green lifestyle”, the greater impact we will have.  Together, we can begin to heal the damage we have inflicted, and return the world to a state of equilibrium.  The following websites contain tips and ideas to help us move in that direction:

http://www.ecocycle.org/ecoliving         http://www.greenlivingonline.com/           http://www.goodguide.com/

WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS

An Abundance of Fruit

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is located in a lush tropical rainforest, very similar to the native forests of the monkeys in our care. The diet of wild monkeys varies greatly throughout the year as the seasonal fruiting patterns change. Ripe fruits are a favored food item because of their high water, sugar and nutrient content, and monkeys feast upon fresh fruits when they can. This means that sometimes they have a wide variety of fruits to eat, other times they are limited to just one of two varieties.  When fruit is scarce, other food items, such as leaves, flowers, nuts, insects and tree gums form the basis of the diet.

The Sanctuary property is planted with an abundance of fruiting trees, which all ripen at different times throughout the year, replicating the natural food patterns of wild monkeys.  Right now, we are in the midst of a fruit explosion! 

The monkeys have been enjoying the wide variety of fruits that are currently available, including banana, passion fruit, figs, breadfruit, papaya,guava, pineapple guava, Surinam cherries, Poha berries and avocado.  As summer comes to a close, and we move into fall and winter, we will see a shift in the available food sources. The citrus trees will soon be producing an abundance of new fruit for the primates.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

 Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a small community of volunteers, doing a big job.  We spend very little on fundraising and nothing on administration. Your donations go directly to caring for the animals!

 The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.

 

Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are looking for mature team players who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome.  Please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net if you are interested in any of these positions and joining the PPS Team.

How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary 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

There are many other ways to help Pacific Primate Sanctuary, to find out how please visit our website: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm

 With your support, you make everything we do possible!

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic- Intern Shanika
Chapter summary: Diets of the wild spider monkeys

Spider monkeys (Ateles) forage in the upper levels of the rain forest canopy. Around 80% of their time is spent in this area, 20% is spent in the sub canopy and less than 1% is spent in the under storey due to predation.  Ateles have very short bouts of feeding followed by long periods of rest time. During this time they digest the vast amounts of food they have consumed, until they are ready to feed again.

Spider monkeys spend between 1-45 minutes at a time feeding. Although this is a relatively short time for most primates they ingest huge amounts of food in this time. Dew (2005) recorded that an individual spider monkey consumed 70 fruits in a 21 minute sitting!

Ripe fruits constitute the majority of the wild spider monkey diet.  They prefer very ripe fruit, as it is high in water and sugar. On average, fruit makes up to 70% of the wild spider monkey diet. During periods when fruit is scarce spider monkeys tend to eat leaves and flowers. Towards the end of the rainy season, leaves can make up to 50% of the spider monkey diet. Carlos and Montana have been seen eating new bamboo shoots. However, this happens rarely, possibly due to the fact that they have fresh fruit and vegetables readily available.

The diversity of fruit in the wild spider monkey diet is much higher than the diversity of leaves. In a study carried out by Van Rosmalen and Klein (1988), spider monkeys consumed 28 different types of leaves but six times as many fruit. Animal prey makes up a very small amount of the wild monkey diet.  Their prey is limited to a few species of caterpillars, meliponid, bees and termites. They typically eat prey about 1-2 weeks a year. When spider monkeys eat bees they grab the bees nest at arms length, shake the nest and consume the angry bees that emerge. They have been seen doing this in small groups of about 3 spider monkeys and have been known to consume up to 100 bees per session.

Spider monkeys in different populations have slight variations in their diets. This shows they are opportunistic feeders and eat what is most nutritious from what is available to them. For example some populations in the northwestern Amazonian rain forest eat decayed wood!

Ateles are morphologically adapted to being frugivores. Their thumb is greatly reduced, their limbs, phalanges and tail are elongated and their tail is also prehensile. All of these adaptations enable the spider monkey to brachiate quickly and efficiently to get to, and between, food patches. Spider monkeys have broad incisors that are spatula shaped and small molars with rounded cusps (these are common to all frugivores). The incisors are used to pick fruit and peel away the less tasty part of the fruit.

 Spider monkeys have a short digestive tract that enables them to digest the large amounts of food they consume in a short amount of time. Spider monkeys obtain the majority of their water from their food but they have been known to drink directly from water sources such as streams. This has been observed with Carlos and Montana as they rarely use their lixit and instead prefer to drink from pools of water.

-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 Edie
Capuchin Social Structure; Communication Signals

The formation of a social structure in capuchins is essentially a network of relationships. These relationships are developed from interaction patterns over a period time. Capuchin social interactions occur by utilizing communication signals via visual, tactile, vocal, and olfactory means.

Capuchins exhibit a wide range of body postures and facial expressions to communicate with conspecifics.  Studies have shown these wide varying facial expressions hold particular meaning to the receivers and have specific predictable responses elicited from each unique expression. Of the capuchin communication signals, tactile communication signals have been studied the most through observation of grooming and afiiliative (behaviors that promote group cohesion) patterns.

Studies have indicated that capuchins not only utilize grooming for hygienic purposes but also as a social function to establish and maintain social bonds. Affiliative behavior is seen in grooming, proximity, sexual behavior and play and is not random in terms of social affiliation. These association patterns help primatologists understand observed relationships within a group of individuals.

Capuchin grooming studies indicate that grooming rates are affected by dominance, agonistic and coalitionary patterns, kin relationships, estrus cycles and are also affected by the age and presence of any infants. The most common social grooming observed is female-to-female grooming, with the higher-ranking females receiving more attention. Thereafter the next most commonly observed grooming pattern is female to male grooming with the alpha male receiving the most attention. 

Vocal communication signals within capuchin groups also hold an important function that expresses between individuals messages of seeking or avoiding contact. The “huh” vocalization we hear Miracle and Prospero exhibiting while eating has been suggested by researchers to serve as a function for regulating spatial distance between individuals during feeding which essentially would increase foraging efficacy. Other food associated calls described as “grgrs” and “whistle series” are signals that provide foraging information to individuals about food types, amounts, quality, preferences, divisibility etc. Various studies of these food associated calls conflict in the belief of whether they are utilized to communicate food ownership or to communicate willingness of the caller to share resources and be approached.

Capuchins have a wide variety of vocalization in their repertoire. Di Bitetti’s dissertation referenced in the text includes 30 distinguishable calls made by capuchins. Pheromones and olfactory cues in the environment also play a role in the communication between individuals. However, these olfactory cues have not been exclusively studied in the field and we lack detail of the entirety and level of exclusive importance of their function.

Some olfactory focused behavioral patterns observed in capuchins include handsniffing, urine washing and genital inspections of adult males. Prospero and Miracle can be observed daily exhibiting many of these forms of communication signals.

Reference:
-Fragaszy, D., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L. (2004). The Complete Capuchin-The Biology of the Genus Cebus. Cambridge University Press.

Special Topic: Intern Rachel
Morphology of the genus Ateles

Spider monkeys (genus Ateles) have several unique morphological characteristics that make them supremely well suited to their large-tree, upper canopy arboreal environment and ripe-fruit foraging subsistence strategy. These include a prehensile tail, elongated fingers, and several other special skeletal adaptations.

Spider monkeys are brachiators, which means they use specialized hand-over-hand locomotion to hurl themselves through the trees. Interestingly, spider monkeys are the only primates outside of the lesser apes to use this type of movement and in many ways are very similar to gibbons. The skeleton of the spider monkey displays several adaptations to this type of locomotion. Ateles tends to be the most acrobatic of its relatives and thus shows more noticeable morphological differences. 

First, the shoulder blade, or scapula, is very long and thin. The glenoid fossa, which is the socket of the shoulder blade, points towards the skull as opposed to the human socket which points outward. This allows a greater range of motion and more comfortable rotation and arm raising for the suspensory motions of brachiating. Secondly, the forelimbs of spider monkeys are extremely long for their body size, between 36-38% longer then would be expected in an animal their size.

This length coupled with several features of the humerus and radius (the bones of the arm) minimizes bending and stress under the torsion that occurs during brachiation. In addition to their elongated arms and specialized shoulders, spider monkeys have long hook-like fingers that allow them to grip branches and swing with ease. Unlike most other primates, they lack an external thumb.

The evolutionary ancestors of spider monkeys did have thumbs, so the lack of this digit is not indicative of spider monkeys being less advanced then other primate species. Instead, the abbreviated thumb (of which vestigial bones are still present in spider monkey hands) is a specialized adaption due to lack of use in their arboreal habitat.

It is not possible to have a discussion of spider monkeys without mentioning their most prominent feature: the prehensile tail. A prehensile tail (which means capable of grasping) allows arboreal animals to move swiftly, securely, and efficiently through the canopy. Spider monkeys essentially have a third hand that provides stability to increase the efficiency of brachiation and that can handle the whole weight of the individual. The spider monkey spine has several adaptations that allow the tail to twist, bend and curl to be used for gripping and clasping as well as support the full body weight of the monkey while providing support and strength during brachiation. For example, spider monkeys have only four lumbar vertebrae, which are those closest to the tail, while most primates have five or six (humans have five). This shortened region is thought to be an adaption for reducing bending and compressive stress on the lower spine, which is significant when the tail is bearing the entire body weight of the individual.  The presence of a prehensile tail is important in suspensory feeding. The tail supports the entire weight of the monkey while both hands are free to forage. Spider monkeys have smaller vertebrae in their tails then other primates, but many more of them. This increases flexibility and extension of the tail. The bare pad on their tails aids in grip and sensitivity.

These unique features all contribute to making the genus Ateles extremely well adapted for life in the rainforest canopy.

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

 

“When man learns to respect even the smallest being of Creation, whether animal or vegetable, nobody has to teach him to love his fellow man. Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man."    —Albert Schweitzer

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 60 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.

Primate Update E-Newsletter 7/13

Evolution of Environmental Conscience

Public perception of the inherent rights of animals is beginning to shift towards a more compassionate understanding. For decades, conscientious individuals have been advocating for the protection of animals, but the devastating reality is that human behavior towards animals and the environment has been exploitative and destructive. At last, a number of international governments have begun adopting laws and regulations to protect the wellbeing of animals.

Costa Rica Closes Zoos

Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its efforts on behalf of conservation and animal protection.  Over 10 years ago, circuses with animal acts were banned and the country has also outlawed sport hunting.  Other countries have also banned circuses that use wild animals, including Austria, Hungary, Finland, India, Israel, Singapore and China.

The biodiversity in Costa Rica is astounding, comprising 4.5% of the worlds biodiversity, despite only making up .03% of it’s land mass.  Costa Rica has made an effort to protect its environment through national parks and forest reserves.  The Costa Rican government has recently decided to close its last two government-funded zoos. One of the zoos will be reopened as a botanical garden, while the other will become a 51-hectare reserve. Numerous complaints have been filed against the zoos for poor living conditions, and lack of sanitation.  Additionally, Costa Rican officials noted that the animals live in cramped cages and “They have so much contact with humans, they are in a constant state of stress.”

Environment Minister, Rene Castro, said the move was a response to “a change of environmental conscience among Costa Ricans.”  In May 2014, Costa Rica will begin rehabilitating and releasing approximately 400 animals to rescue centers or to the wild.  The government hopes to return as many of the animals to the wild as possible. “We are getting rid of the cages and reinforcing the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way,” said Environment Minister René Castro. “We don’t want animals in captivity or enclosed in any way unless it is to rescue or save them.” 

Dolphins Recognized as Nonhuman Persons
India has officially recognized dolphins as non-human persons, whose rights to life and liberty must be respected!

Scientists studying dolphins believe that they could be the most intelligent creatures on Earth after humans, with a larger brain to body size ratio than our closest relatives, the chimpanzees.  Studies have shown that dolphins have distinct personalities, self-awareness and highly complex social structures- even utilizing teamwork to solve difficult problems.  Dolphin’s playfulness, intelligence and ability to learn “tricks” have made them extremely popular for entertainment.  Sadly, this amusement comes at a cruel price, with cetaceans suffering greatly in the process.  Most dolphins and whales in captivity come from violent capture, in which groups are driven into shallow areas, and the majority are slaughtered while young, females are taken to be sold into the entertainment market.

India's Ministry of Environment and Forests has advised state governments to ban dolphinariums and other commercial entertainment that involves the capture and confinement of cetacean species such as orcas and bottlenose dolphins. In a statement, the government said research had clearly established that cetaceans are highly intelligent and sensitive, and that dolphins "should be seen as 'non-human persons' and as such should have their own specific rights." India is the fourth country in the world to ban the capture and import of cetaeans for the purpose of commercial entertainment.  Costa Rica, Hungary and Chile have also done so.

With this ruling, India has taken an important first step in establishing a universal code of animal ethics and rights.

This paradigm shift brings with it the hope that positive changes will continue to occur with greater scope and frequency. Perhaps human understanding will finally reach a critical mass, in which this new consciousness will begin to grow exponentially. Slowly and together individuals begin to speak. It rises up to the surface, at first, one voice, then two, and four and hundreds so we can hear ourselves, at last, and find the words to say what we feel. Soon we realize that together we can act in good conscience, in wisdom to heal the world. (Read the article on Speciesism, by Lucy Wormser, on our website: http://pacificprimate.org/deep.htm).

One day we may look back and wonder how it was ever considered acceptable to abuse and exploit animals and the environment, just as we look back now, with incredulity and disgust, at the practice of slavery.  Until all beings are free, we are not free.

“The more we learn of the true nature of non-human animals, especially those with complex brains and corresponding complex social behavior, the more ethical concerns are raised regarding their use in the service of man -- whether this be in entertainment, as "pets," for food, in research laboratories, or any of the other uses to which we subject them.”   —Jane Goodall

At Pacific Primate Sanctuary we are healing the injuries inflicted by humans upon non-human primates, our relatives. PPS volunteers care for the monkeys with profound love and deep awareness, with honor and respect, a response to the cruel abuse, denigration and exploitation they have suffered. We have become a community, serving threatened, endangered and distressed primates, many from laboratories, ex-pets, some confiscated from smugglers, members of species on the edge of extinction. 

The monkeys are safe here. THEIR individual lives are valued. This is a new idea, serving members of other species, as opposed to using them for biomedical research, for amusement, for personal gain. (from Speciesism, by Lucy Wormser)

Sources:
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/08/costa-rica-is-going-to-close-its-zoos-and-release-the-animals-into-the-wild/#ixzz2bVgKWnyM
http://news.yahoo.com/costa-rica-shut-down-zoos-not-going-easy-235237445.html
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/07/world/americas/costa-rica-zoo-cages/index.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/costa-rica-close-zoos-citing-change-environmental-conscience-1371161
http://www.realfarmacy.com/india-declares-dolphins-non-human-persons/#G4XQ6f7xyJyBWMQT.99
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/savvy-scientist/the-rights-of-dolphins-chimps-and-other-nonhuman-persons/393
http://phys.org/news181981904.html#jCp
http://www.dw.de/dolphins-gain-unprecedented-protection-in-india/a-16834519
http://english.pravda.ru/science/earth/05-08-2013/125310-dolphins_india-0/

 THANK YOU to PPS SUPPORTERS

We are so grateful to our friends at SmartHome, who donated 20 Insteon control modules. These modules allow us to remotely control the monkeys' heat lamps, to keep them warm. A big THANK YOU to Dan and April who sent the units, and spent time on their vacation to install them!

After their visit to install the units, Dan and April wrote:
…The place has really grown since our last visit.   The new INSTEON control modules are rated for outdoor use and should perform extremely well….April and I have reconfigured and replaced all the modules in the monkey area as well as 2 of the keypads by the door.  We also re-linked and tested all the buttons twice.  …Again, it was great to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause.


Thank you Teresa for using Sanctuary bamboo to hand craft bridges for the monkeys while you were on Maui for vacation.  The monkeys enjoy basking in the sun on these beautiful bridges.


WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a small community of volunteers, doing a big job.  We spend very little on fundraising and nothing on administration. Your donations go directly to caring for the animals!

The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.  Below are several important ways that you can become a partner in our life-saving work.
 
Malama Ola the Monkeys
Please support our online fundraiser- Malama Ola the Monkeys (to care for the health and lives of the monkeys). This vital funding helps provide food and medical care to the 60 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
If all of our supporters could give at least $5, we would be able to provide food, medicine, and vet care for the animals for a year! 

To make an online donation to support the health and lives of the monkeys, go to: http://www.gofundme.com/32x3zo

Every contribution, large or small, helps to feed and care for the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Please spread the word, and share this fundraiser with your friends and family via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and Blogs.
                              
GoFundMe
You can host your own online fundraiser for Pacific Primate Sanctuary using GoFundMe. Search for Pacific Primate Sanctuary at the following link, and you can set up a unique charity website to help raise money for PPS!  http://www.gofundme.com/charity-donations/

Spread the Word
One great way 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



GoodSearch.com provides many different opportunities to raise money to PPS, all without any additional cost to you!  Use their yahoo based search engine, and we get a penny for each search you do.  Shop online at hundreds of stores through GoodShop.com, and a portion of each purchase will be donated to PPS. Sign up with GoodSwipe, and when you use your credit or debit card to shop at many different stores and restaurants a donation will be made to PPS!

Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of Animal Caregiver Volunteers for the AM and/or PM shifts! Activities include preparing food for the monkeys, cleaning, keeping records, and responsibly overseeing the health and well being of the animals.

PPS is seeking a volunteer Administrative Assistant with experience in office management, HR, secretarial work, fundraising, grant writing, etc.

PPS also needs a Volunteer Office Assistant to help with: correspondence, filing, computer input, and other general office duties.

We are looking for mature team players who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome.  Please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net if you are interested in any of these positions and joining the PPS Team.

Gift Contributions
Gift Contributions Certificates are a unique and meaningful gift for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Gift Recipients will receive a beautiful Contribution Certificate showing you have made a donation in their name, along with information about PPS.  This thoughtful and significant gift helps to feed and care for the threatened, endangered and distressed primates at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  Please see our website for details:
http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm

Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:

-commercial power washer                                    -high quality microscope
-heavy-duty weed eater                                      -gram staining supplies                     
-gardening supplies & equipment                             -sewing machine
-small handheld vacuum                                       -construction tools
-pillowcases                                                      -ride-on lawn mower
-pet carriers

 Please contact us at pps@aloha.net if you have an item to donate!

How to Donate Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary 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

Welcome Intern Shanika!
 Our newest Resident Intern, Shanika, has arrived after a long and difficult flight from England!  Shanika spent several years working in veterinary clinics and has had experience caring for primates at Howlett’s Wild Animal Park.  We have already begun her training, and are currently focusing on the first module, which includes learning how to provide daily care, enrichment, and nurturing to 60 monkeys, preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining the Sanctuary facility.  Shanika is a dedicated trainee, and is eager to learn all aspects of animal care at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Her past experience is very beneficial as she moves forward with her training.

Aloha Shanika; we are happy to have you here as a member of team PPS!

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Edie
Vocal Communication in the Genus Ateles

Vocal communication among spider monkeys plays a key role due to their behavior and habitat. As a species that lives and forages in fission fusion societies, vocal communication (long-distance vocalization in particular) is of utmost importance. Spider monkeys are canopy dwellers and forage in an environment where resources are spatially distributed often at great distances. In a fission fusion society their long distance vocal communication is crucial to maximize the efficiency in which they coordinate their foraging, movement and safety from predators.

A systematic study of the Ateles communication system was published in 1976 by J.F. Eisenberg that distinguished 13 different types of vocalizations. The suggested functions ranged from: identification calls, position indicators, calls that promote assembly of inter (within) and intra (between) sub group members, calls that warn of predators, friendly and hostile approach calls, invitations to play, and calls that communicate the presence of food resources.

Of the Ateles vocalizations, studies have focused the most on the “whinny”. Studies have been carried out to determine the role of the “whinny” vocalization in the social systems of spider monkey sub species.  The use of the “whinny” has been hypothesized by various studies to serve the purpose of recruitment of sub group members to resources, coordination of group movement and travel and communicating about the sender’s identity.  The signal significance and meaning is determined by the various receivers. It has been found that individuals of the same sub group have an average distance from one another of less than 30 meters. The average distance between subgroups can be between 170 meters and 70 meters. In a field research study the observation of 2 sup groups provided information showing that spider moneys can hear and respond to “whinnies” when individuals are up to 300 meters away. This means that whinnies can be heard by the sub group members as well as by some of the other subgroup individuals in their fission fusion community.

These studies utilized spectrograms that recorded the frequencies of the “whinny” call. It was found that whinnies have a series of change in pitch and frequency that create “arches” on the spectrogram. The arches are the higher frequency points and the portions in between the arches are called “interarch elements.” The alternation between arches and interarch elements is what gives the whinnies their sound, similar to that of a horse’s whinny and gives variation in calls from individuals. Signal variability allows information about the sender’s identity to be communicated. Recorded play back studies in wild habituated spider monkeys show that group members could distinguish trills and that these “trills” or “whinnies” are labels for one another.  Another study showed that the calls have a consistent variation among individual group member and that the whinnies of a mother and their offspring have a closer resemblance than any other combination of pairs of individuals.

Carlos and Montana demonstrate various vocalizations to us daily. They utilize the “whinny” vocalization when we are approaching their enclosure, when we exit the yurt and they have a visual on us as well as whiny paired with trills when we feed them out. We often hear Carlos and Montana vocalizing back forth especially during feeding times.  Hear Carlos and Montana whinny on ”Breakfast with the Spider Monkeys” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr6BD875Gis

-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.

“Each person must see himself as though the entire world were held in balance and any deed he may do could tip the scales.”  —Maimonides




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 60 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.

Primate Update Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 5

Growing Momentum to End Animal Experimentation For decades, hundreds of millions of animals have suffered at human hands, being subjected to medical tests, poor living conditions and cruel treatment in research laboratories.  Although many people have fought against animal testing arguing that it is outdated, inhumane and unethical, researchers have claimed that it is necessary for human safety, health and medical progress. At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we have witnessed the suffering of research animals first hand, as we have provided refuge to many monkeys from laboratories.  For example, Echo, a critically endangered cotton top tamarin, arrived with missing fingers and toes anda torn and bleeding lip. Echo was emotionally and mentally injured as well, attempting to mutilate her first offspring because she didn’t know how to care for him.  At PPS, Echo learned how to be a mother, and to nurture her children. Marmosets are highly social animals, but when Bruno, a white tufted eared marmoset, arrived he was unable to interact with other monkeys.  He would not allow his new partner, a beautiful female named Brenda, to have access to food.  With patience and conditioning, we were able to help Bruno accept a partner. The two became very close and Bruno was finally able to experience the benefits of social living.   Other research monkeys have come to the Sanctuary, barely alive, in terrible physical and psychological pain as a result of poor animal husbandry and neglect.  (Please read the story of ANEAS at:http://pacificprimate.org/stories.htm). For years we have advocated for an end to animals testing and, finally, there is some positive movement in that direction. The European Union (E.U.) has been leading the charge to eliminate animal testing for cosmetics.  In 2004, the E.U. banned animal testing of finished cosmetic products within it’s member states, then in 2009 the ban extened animal testing of cosmetic ingredients.  This year, the E.U. has banned the import and sale of all cosmetics with any animal tested ingredients in the 28 member states, and has pledged to push other parts of the world to accept alternatives to animal testing. In the United States, we are seeing positive changes for chimpanzees incarcerated in laboratories.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a rule that will list ALL chimanzees as Endangered.  Currently, only wild chimps are considered endangered, while those bred in captivity are only listed as Threatened.  If the propsed rule goes through, captive chimpanzees will be offered the same protection as their wild counterparts under the Endangered Species Act.  This will significantly reduce the use and exploitation of chimps in entertainment, biomedical research and the pet trade. In 2011, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requested a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to review and assess the current and anticipated use of chimpanzees in biomedical and behavioral research.  The committee concluded that “while the chimpanzee has been a valuable animal model in the past, most current biomedical research use of chimpanzees is not necessary.” The NIH is now working towards substantially reducing the use of chimpanzees in NIH-funded biomedical research, and has begun the process of relocating over 300 chimps to sanctuaries.  Unfortunately, 50 chimps will remain in the research facilities.  The IOM did make many suggestions to improve the lives and wellbeing of these chimps, and the NIH is working to create better living spaces for the chimps that it will be retaining. Recently, a study was done that questioned the validity of using animals as reliable test subjects. The research began when investigators noticed that, in their medical specialism of inflammatory disease (diabetes, asthma, allergies, arthritis, etc.), drugs developed using mice have had a 100% failure rate in almost 150 clinical trials on humans. The purpose of the study was to determine if mice, one of the most commonly used research species, respond similarly to humans with regards to inflammation. The study concluded that mice do NOT respond similarly to humans, and are poor models for inflammatory testing.  Many companies assure us their products are “safe” because they have been tested on animals, but this study provides evidence to the contrary! With evidence like this, you may wonder, why are we still using animals as test subjects?  Dr. Jonathan Latham, from Independent Science News sums it up well: “…animal research is now big business. One genetically engineered mouse can cost $100,000 while a mouse treadmill can set taxpayers back $9,600. For medical researchers, animal research offers a steady income and a successful career pathway regardless of whether, as in the field of inflammation, experiments deliver practical benefits to patients. These are just some of the entrenched interests maintaining the animal testing system. Other prominent beneficiaries include the food and chemical industries which profit from the public perception of safety derived from animal testing.”  Hopefully, as more studies like this are done, we will begin to see more companies using alternative methods for their research. Public perception of animal testing is definitely changing— a recent gallup poll showed that support of medical testing on animals has decreased across all age groups polled over the last 12 years.  We still have a long way to go before all animal testing is terminated, but consciousness seems to be shifting and the barbaric exploitation of other living beings may, one day, be looked upon as an archaic aberration in human behavior, similar to the enslavement of other races, women and children. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." —Mohandas K. Gandhi Reference sites: -http://truth-out.org/news/item/16208-the-experiment-is-on-us-science-of-animal-testing-thrown-into-doubt -http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jun2013/od-26.htm -http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/science/us-to-retire-most-chimps-from-research.html - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3587220/ http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2011/Chimpanzees/chimpanzeereportbrief.pdf WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS   Happy 19th Birthday Bruno!  White tufted eared marmoset, Bruno, turned 19 years old on July 4th.  Bruno is the oldest marmoset at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, and was given refuge from a research facility 16 years ago. We prepared a ti-leaf present filed with his favorite food— peanuts in the  shell, and added strawberry jelly. Watching him enjoy his special birthday treats was a celebration for us too. Be happy and well, Bruno! Spider Monkey Breakfast You can see Carlos and Montana enjoy their breakfast on YouTube. Watch as the two spider monkey brothers delight in eating papaya, lychee, and celery with peanut butter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr6BD875Gis Produce for the Monkeys Thank you to PPS Volunteers, Druanne, Jonathan, Paul and Laura, for bringing delicious fresh produce to share with the monkeys!  They really enjoy the gifts and your loving-kindness in providing for their needs.   THANK YOU to PPS SUPPORTERS Pacific Primate Sanctuary is so grateful to two PPS Partners for their generous, long time support of our life-saving work. Thank you to Joani for funding our vital Internship Program for 2013-2014. Our immersion internship provides a unique and valuable learning experience for the Interns, and enables us to staff the facility and provide a high level of care to the fragile animals here.  Because of this grant, the Interns and our COO can continue their meaningful service at Pacific Primate Sanctuary as stewards of our precious planet and the caregivers of the beings we share it with. The Bendons recently contributed to our Malama Ola the Monkeys grant, to care for the health and lives of the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Their contribution helps us to provide for the well being of the 60 threatened and endangered animals at the Sanctuary, by ensuring that they receive proper nutrition and medical care. The compassion, charity, and good hearts of our donors makes what we do possible.  We appreciate these contributions more than words can express!   NOTABLE NEWS NERPRC Closure Harvard University has announced the closure of its research facility, the New England Regional Primate Research Center (NERPRC).  The process will take two years, and all of the animals will be relocated over that time. The primates at this lab have suffered enough, and deserve to spend the rest of their days being cared for in places where their needs are the first and only priority. We have made contact with NERPRC, requesting that some of the marmosets and tamarins be placed here at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  Sign the following petition to urge NERPRC to place these animals into Sanctuaries and Refuges, rather than back into the research industry! http://www.change.org/petitions/release-the-primates-from-harvard-s-new-england-primate-research-center  Buycott App Buycott is a great App that will help you make more informed purchases. Choose to purchase from companies that support your values (such as animal welfare and the environment)- and avoid those that fund causes you oppose.  Ethical shopping is a great way to make a difference on a daily basis!  Go to Buycott.com for more information.   WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a small community of volunteers, doing a big job.  We spend very little on fundraising and nothing on administration. Your donations go directly to caring for the animals! The monkeys depend upon the support of compassionate people for their survival. Please help the Sanctuary protect the lives of these threatened beings and preserve their species.  Below are several important ways that you can become a partner in our life-saving work. Malama Ola the Monkeys Please support our online fundraiser- Malama Ola the Monkeys (to care for the health and lives of the monkeys).This vital funding helps provide food and medical care to the 60 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. If all of our supporters could give at least $5, we would be able to provide food, medicine, and vet care for the animals for a year!   To make an online donation to the health and lives of the monkeys, go to: http://www.gofundme.com/32x3zo Every contribution helps to feed and care for the threatened monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Please spread the word, and share this fundraiser with your friends and family via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and blogs.                                                                                                                                                                                           GoFundMe You can host your own online fundraiser for Pacific Primate Sanctuary using GoFundMe. Search for Pacific Primate Sanctuary at the following link, and you can set up a unique charity website to help raise money for PPS!  http://www.gofundme.com/charity-donations/ Spread the Word One great way 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 GoodSearch.com provides many different opportunities to raise money to PPS, all without any additional cost to you!  Use their yahoo based search engine, and we get a penny for each search you do.  Shop online at hundreds of stores through GoodShop.com, and a portion of each purchase will be donated to PPS. There are also a dining club- GoodDining.com, online surveys, and special online product offers, games, which also contribute a percentage to PPS! Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time We are currently in need of ANIMAL CAREGIVER VOLUNTEERS for the AM and/or PM shifts! Activities include preparing food for the monkeys, cleaning, keeping records, and responsibly overseeing the health and well being of the animals. PPS is seeking a volunteer ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT with experience in office management, HR, secretarial work, fundraising, grant writing, etc. PPS also needs a Volunteer OFFICE ASSISTANT to help with: correspondence, filing, computer input, and other general office duties. We are looking for mature team players who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary. Retirees are most welcome.  Please e-mail us at pps@aloha.net if you are interested in any of these positions and joining the PPS Team. Gift Contributions Gift Contributions Certificates are a unique and meaningful gift for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Gift Recipients will receive a beautiful Contribution Certificate showing you have made a donation in their name, along with information about PPS.  This thoughtful and significant gift helps to feed and care for the threatened, endangered and distressed primates at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  Please see our website for details: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Wish List You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including: -commercial power washer                                    -high quality microscope -heavy-duty weed eater                                      -gram staining supplies                       -gardening supplies & equipment                             -sewing machine -small handheld vacuum                                       -construction tools -pillowcases                                                      -ride-on lawn mower    Please contact us at pps@aloha.net if you have an item to donate! How to Donate Directly We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. You, and your family and friends, can make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary on our Website: www.pacificprimate.org and onFaceBook, 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 Introducing PPS January Resident Intern, Madeline We are pleased to announce our most recently selected Intern, Madeline!  She will be joining us in January, when Intern Rachel completes her Internship.  Madeline has a degree in Zoology, and has spent the last 2 years caring for primates in a research laboratory.  She is looking forward to having the opportunity to care for primates in a setting where their needs come first!  We feel certain that Madeline will become a valuable member of Team PPS! In her acceptance letter, Madeline writes:             I am thrilled beyond words for the opportunity to join the staff and volunteers at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. I have loved all animals since I was a child, but my passion for non-human primates came when, as a freshman in college, I enrolled in a psychology course entitled “Animal Behavior: The Primates.”  That class stirred me in a way that no class had before. At the beginning of my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I added Zoology as a double major (Child Development being my first major) and began focusing my studies and leisure readings on humans’ closest relatives.  For two years, I cared for rhesus macaques in a laboratory setting, aiming to make their lives as comfortable as I could.  However, it did not take long for me to conclude that I did not want to work in a laboratory setting and that my place was at a sanctuary, a safe haven, where the animals truly come first. My interest in primate conservation prompted me to seek out Professor Karen Strier, recognized for her dedication to the muriqui of Brazil.  I was fortunate enough to take both of her courses: “Primate Conservation” and “Primate Behavioral Ecology.”  In addition, I became a Volunteer Assistant for her Muriqui Behavioral Ecology Database, where I compiled behavioral data for analysis. Upon graduating this past May, I returned home to Minnesota to become a Mammal Nursery Intern at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, a sanctuary whose ultimate goal is release.  My position includes all aspects of animal care for orphaned and injured wildlife, such as bunnies, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, beavers, and bats.  Through my work as a caretaker for the monkeys in the lab and for the mammals at the sanctuary, I have ample experience administering medication, performing both SQ and IM injections, and giving fluids to sick animals. Some people live a lifetime and never find their passion, that thing that makes them feel they have found their purpose on this earth.  I was fortunate to find mine, quite by accident, at the tender age of 19.  I am grateful for the ways in which I could make the lives of the macaques better and I am grateful to be saving lives each week at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  I have learned much from these experiences, and I am excited to bring my skill set to PPS, where I can utilize what I know and learn so much more about being a primate caregiver, an animal welfare activist, and a sanctuary worker. At the lab, I learned how the animals acted as a species, coming to know very few of the individual macaques.  I look forward to getting to know each of the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and becoming familiar with individual characteristics and tendencies.  Moreover, I look forward to seeing these creatures thrive and enjoy life.  I do believe that Pacific Primate Sanctuary will be healing for me as well. Mahalo. I cannot wait to join the Pacific Primate Sanctuary team!     CONTINUING EDUCATION   Special Topic: Intern Edie A Basic Overview of Capuchin Sensory Systems-Vision, Audition, Olfaction, Taste and Tactile Sensitivity Capuchin eyesight is comparable to that of humans in that they see fine detail as we do, have a similar to slightly increased sensitivity to brightness after adapting to darkness and they have color vision. Humans and capuchins have a similar flicker fusion frequency rate and Capuchins also see in color vision as we do. To break it down, humans have what is called trichromatic vision. In trichromatic vision the eye contains 3 photo pigments. Each photo pigment responds specifically to light of different wavelengths. Some people have what is called dichromatic vision where they lack one of the 3 photo pigments & have difficulty discriminating between certain hues. Vision researchers have found that female capuchins can have either trichromatic or dichromatic vision while male capuchins have dichromatic vision that resembles a form of color blindness found in humans. Male capuchins see some light wavelengths as pure yellow, while a human or monkey with trichromat vision would see it as green or as red. The variation of photo pigments held by capuchins is found to be determined by a single sex linked genetic component found on the X chromosome. In terms of auditory abilities, capuchins have a very keen sense of hearing. Primate studies have revealed that all primate species share similar capabilities at hearing low frequency sounds, yet have different sensitivities to higher frequency sounds. New world monkeys hear frequencies that are much higher than that detected by a human. Most capuchin vocalizations lie within a sound spectrum of frequencies audible to humans. They do however emit higher pitch vocalizations that have components that are at a frequency too high for human ears to detect. Capuchins also hear high-pitched sounds at a louder intensity t han we do as humans. There is little known on the auditory capabilities of capuchins in detecting the source/location of sounds. Capuchin behaviors indicate that they utilize olfaction as a daily part of their lives. Capuchins are known to participate in scent marking, urine washing and anointing. Capuchins are known to utilize vision primarily over olfactory in finding food resources.  Studies have shown capuchins to be capable of distinguishing particular food odors and being able to discriminate between fruity foods and other food items. The types and density of receptors on the tongues of capuchins indicates their taste capabilities are typical for that of most primate species. Capuchins have an increased sensitivity to detecting the presence and concentration of sugars. They are able to determine the ripeness of a fruit based on its sugar content and will accept bitter foods if they contain adequate sugar content. All animals have a variety of receptors around their hair follicles and on the skin that allow for tactile sensitivity. In addition to these common receptors, primates have a specialized receptor on the surface of their hands and feet that function as receptors of pressure and friction. They also have ridges on their epidermis that provide increased sensitivity to pressure and friction compared to that of other animals. Reference: -Fragaszy, D., Visalberghi, E., Fedigan, L. (2004). The Complete Capuchin-The Biology of the Genus Cebus. Cambridge University Press.   Special Topic: Intern Rachel Comparative aspects of the social suppression of reproduction in female marmosets and tamarins (D.H. Abbott, J. Barrett, and L.M. George)   Marmosets and tamarins exhibit an extremely specialized form of reproduction suppression that is one of the major characteristics of the Callitrichidae. Most primates demonstrate reproductive suppression in lower birth rates and infant survival in subordinate females compared with the dominant female(s). In groups of marmosets and tamarins, by contrast, the dominant female is the only breeding female who actively maintains her dominant breeding status through social dominance behavior and by inhibiting ovulation in subordinate females. Callithrix jacchus, or the white tufted marmoset, inhibit sexual behavior and reproductive physiology of other females in the group. In captive studies, most subordinate females in family marmoset groups do not ovulate at all, or their cycles are inadequate for reproduction. Sexual interactions are rare for subordinate females and daughters of the dominant female. While there is suppression of sexual behaviors, the physiological suppression is likely a more relevant impairment to reproduction for lower ranking females. Suppressed ovulation is due to the suppressed secretion of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which plays a large role in controlling the complex process of ovulation in female vertebrates. The pheromones of the dominant female marmoset is a factor that triggers this suppression and subordinate females who were removed from the dominant female, and her scent, in a captive study began to ovulate almost immediately. Cotton top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) display the same kinds of suppression, both physiological and behavioral, from the dominant female. Suppressed cyclicity may not occur all the time in all subordinate female cotton-tops and there is some evidence that approximately 50 percent of non-breeding females have some sort of ovulatory cycle, though it was not clear how often these cycles happen or if they are complete. The pheremonal component of reproductive suppression is similar to that in white tufted marmosets, as well as social behavioral suppression. Saddleback tamarins also show suppressed ovarian cycles and in captive studies when a subordinate female is removed from the dominant and then paired with a male, ovulation begins immediately. It is likely that this specialized reproductive strategy evolved because of, or in conjunction with, three reasons. Subordinate females may benefit from staying with their natal groups longer because establishing their own new breeding group with a separate territory is difficult. A second reason is that the communal rearing system is crucial in maximizing the chances of survival of the dominant females offspring. Not having the help of the non-breeding females would significantly lower the infant survival rate, as it has been found in other mammals that larger groups are more successful at rearing young then smaller groups. A third reason could be that is essential for young, non-breeding females to gain early experience with infant-care taking if they are to be successful rearing their own. This has become an important point in captive management of callitrichids; as prior experiences with infants is a perquisite for captive-born females to successfully rear their own offspring. These three reasons are then enhanced by the high rate of genetic relationships among group members. This highly specialized reproductive suppression is thus shown to be a beneficial strategy for these little primates. -Rylands, A.B. Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1993. "If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals." — Albert Einstein 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 60 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.