Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Primate Update 9-14



A Solar System for PPS

We have started an online fundraiser, with Loveanimals.org, to help pay for the installation of solar panels at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  This will reduce the exorbitant cost of electricity the Sanctuary has been paying (averaging over $1,000 a month!), which is a sizable portion of our limited budget. Switching to solar energy will allow us to use abundant sunlight for energy rather than fossil fuel.

The solar system will initially cost about $7,200 and will lower the Sanctuary’s electric bills for years to come. Our refuge protects endangered and threatened species on the Earth, help us to further support our planet by "going green". Please join our sustainability campaign and become part of the PPS Solar System!   Spread the word, and share the link below with your friends and family. Please donate now at:

https://www.loveanimals.org/a-solar-system-for-pps.html






HAWAIIAN VALUES

The Hawaiian ancestors adhered to a set of values that guided their daily lives. These beliefs and principles have been passed on, through the generations, and are still an important part of traditional Hawaiian society today.  In the upcoming issues of Primate Update we will explore how the Sanctuary embodies traditional Hawaiian perspectives and practices.

Laulima:  Cooperation or working together. Laulima literally translates into “many hands”, as in many hands working together. The following story illustrates the importance of Lauilima to ancient Hawaiians

The Hawaiians would take a long cord or rope and tie ti leaves to it.  Then the entire group (many hands) would hold it and form a line in the ocean, holding this rope with the leaves in the water would ‘herd’ the fish towards the shore.  The groupwould slowly form a circle, to trap the fish.  If one person was out of sync, the fish could escape through that gap in the line.  Success or failure caused by one person would mean success or failure for the entire group.  It was important for people to help each other be successful.”

 At PPS, we know that the whole team must work together for the wellbeing of the animals. We are all contributing to a unified goal— to provide the best care possible to the monkeys!  Each individual selflessly offers energy, knowledge, and skill, and together we are able to accomplish this goal. Teamwork is vital to the success of the Sanctuary


WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS


Donating to Pacific Primate Sanctuary can be as simple as doing an Internet search!  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, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  GoodSearch offers many other ways to generate donations for Pacific Primate Sanctuary, including GoodShop, GoodDining, GoodTravel, GoodOffers and more.  Visit their website to find out the details: http://www.goodsearch.com/

The holiday season will soon be here.  Use GoodShop for all your holiday shopping needs. Skip the crowded stores and shop online, and for every purchase at a participating store, GoodShop will donate to a portion to PPS.


Gift Contributions
Many people do not enjoy the commercialism of the holiday buying binge and are searching for truly meaningful gifts.  We would like to offer a unique gift giving opportunity:

Gift Contributions can be made to Pacific Primate Sanctuary in the name of anyone on your holiday list. Your 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 present helps to feed and care for threatened, endangered and distressed primates.  Please go to our website for details: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm 


Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, 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 pps@pacificprimate.org


Donate an Item From the PPS Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
- commercial power washer                                    - sewing machine
- heavy-duty weed eater                                          - construction tools                           - gardening supplies & equipment                           - pillowcases and baby blankets
- pet carriers                                                             - ride-on lawnmower

 Please contact us at pps@pacificprimate.org if you have an item you’d like to donate!


How to Contribute 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



  Please help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the 50 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and help us care for the Beings with whom we share the Earth.


Great Nonprofits Top- Rated Awards Program
GreatNonprofits is a website designed to help people find trustworthy nonprofits through user reviews. Their mission is to:
  • Help inspire and inform prospective donors and volunteers, help them differentiate between nonprofits, find ones that they trust, and be more confident in giving or signing up to volunteer.
 
  • Enable great nonprofits, regardless of the size of their marketing budget, to harness their most authentic and most effective advertising- the stories of the people they’ve served

GreatNonprofits in currently in the final month of their Top-Rated awards program.  Please help Pacific Primate Sanctuary get listed on the Top-Rated nonprofits list by submitting a five-star review!

If you appreciate Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s life-saving work, please share how the Sanctuary has touched your heart and made a positive impact.  By doing so, you will help raise our visibility, and reach potential donors and volunteers. Click the link below to get started:

http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/pacific-primate-sanctuary-inc


WHAT’S HAPPENING at PPS

Farewell Kaitlin 
Past Volunteer, Kaitlin returned to PPS for the summer and it was such a benefit to have her with us.  Kaitlin has several years experience as a Veterinary Technician, and she taught the PPS staff how to perform primate physical examinations and analyze samples microscopically. She implemented the appropriate protocol for accurately recording information, so that we can communicate more effectively with veterinarians and advisors.  She created many new documents, ensuring that these procedures and information will be available to future caregivers.  Kaitlin also edited and completely reorganized the PPS Medical Manual, making it easier to find critically important information, quickly and efficiently.

Kaitlin has gone on to graduate school, to earn a Masters Degree in Primatology. We are so grateful for all that she shared with us, for her openness, enthusiasm, and compassion for the animals, Kaitlin always has a place at the Sanctuary, she is part of our vision and mission, and we know she will be with us again in the future!

When she left, Kaitlin wrote:
It is difficult to put into words how thankful I am for the Pacific Primate Sanctuary... I have always been absolutely fascinated with primates from a young age. When I was fifteen years old, I saw a PPS flyer at Del’s Feed Store, in Kahului, asking for volunteers. I could not believe that the animals I dreamed about meeting were so close to me. Within the next week I was sitting with my Mother on Lucy’s couch discussing my role as the second youngest volunteer PPS had at the time. I spent every weekend at the Sanctuary, growing and learning until leaving for college. During my time apart from the Sanctuary, I thought of the monkeys often. When Lucy and I reconnected and she asked if I would be interested in coming back to Maui for a summer with the monkeys, it was an easy decision. 

Coming back to the Sanctuary is like coming home— I feel safe here, I feel loved, I feel as if I can give my whole being to a work that is greater than any other and receive more joy than I have ever felt in accomplishing any other task.

 This time around, as an adult, I have learned many new things from the Pacific Primate Sanctuary. I have learned strength from Leonardo (White-tufted eared marmoset descended from research monkeys).  I have learned that good things never change from Abraham (Black-tufted eared marmoset also descended from research monkeys).  I have learned assurance in my skills as a Veterinary Technician from my work updating the medical manual.  And I have learned that teamwork is the most important aspect of any job.

Thank you to the volunteers for showing me that passion for conservation is everywhere. Each and every one of you is making a difference to the lives of these very special animals.
Thank you to Kia, Kenzie and Caley for teaching me the value of every task we do. You all put so much love and care into your work and it is truly inspiring. I know the Sanctuary is in very good hands. Thank you to Amanda for joining the PPS ‘Ohana and bringing your love for animal husbandry and learning!

Thank you to Erin for being the most amazing mentor I could have ever asked for. You have given me confidence in my ability as a caregiver and leader. I have learned from you that only through a deep understanding of our actions, and openness to all outcomes, can we change what we wish to in the world. 

Thank you to Lucy. You have inspired me to pursue my dreams and believe in the work that I do.  You have shown me the value of trusting yourself, taking a step back and observing a wider perspective, and listening for the subtle hints. And lastly, mahalo (Thank you) to every monkey at PPS; your lives matter and have changed mine.

The Sanctuary to me is more than a place of refuge for the threatened and vulnerable; it is a part of my heart. My personal and academic life has been greatly influenced by the experiences I have had here. I will start graduate school at Central Washington University’s Primate Behavior program in just a few short weeks. You better believe I will be wearing my PPS shirt proudly on the first day of class. 


PPS INTERNSHIP

Kia, Kenzie, Caley and Amanda make up the current Resident Intern Team.

Kia was recently certified as a Primary Animal Caregiver. She has mastered the skills necessary to perform all aspects of animal care at the Sanctuary, including shift protocol and emergency care.  She is also competent in volunteer and facility management, and has learned much about colony management.  Kia will now begin to deepen her knowledge in these areas, and continue to learn and grow throughout her year of residency at PPS!


Kenzie has completed the first two Modules of her Internship Training, which include animal care, emergency care and documentation.  She is now working on mastering the 3rd Training Module, which focuses on Management, so that she can become a Primary Animal Caregiver.

Caley graduated from the AM and PM shift training, and is doing very well learning about emergency care. In addition to the standard training modules, Caley has experience with Behavioral Conditioning using Positive Reinforcement Training. Caley has been using Behavioral Conditioning techniques to encourage the monkeys to drink from a syringe, which is greatly beneficial for medication administration.

Our Newest Resident Intern, Amanda arrived on August 20th.  She has recently graduated from the AM and PM shift training, and is in the early stages of mastering Emergency Care. Amanda has proven to be a very engaged, competent Intern and we look forward to sharing all aspects of animal and facility care with her.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is currently accepting applications for the New World Primate Caregiver/Office Assistant Resident Internship Position. Please visit our website for details: http://www.pacificprimate.org/future.htm

The PPS Resident Internship Would Not Be Possible Without The Support Of Our Compassionate Donors. Funding for this essential program is needed in order to provide housing, utilities, and supplies for our 2014- 2015 Resident Interns.

To find out how you can contribute to Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Internship Program, please email us at: pps@pacificprimate.org or
 donate now at: http://pacificprimate.org/help.htm


CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Kenzie
The Complete Capuchin, The Biology of the Genus Cebus.  Chapter 8: Memory and Perception
       
Research has found there are many gaps in our knowledge of perception and memory in capuchins. Multiple studies have been conducted on the memory and use of that memory to form relations among stimuli

The capuchin monkey's natural interest in manipulating or inspecting an object is beneficial to caregivers.  The general interest in new objects aids in the process of behavioral conditioning, which is used here at PPS to lessen the stress of both monkey and caregiver by allowing us to perform basic tasks such as checking a hand, tail, or foot for injury or other abnormality.  This is achieved by the association between a reward, such as a treat, and the presentation of that body part upon an auditory or visual cue. The short-term memory of capuchins allows training to proceed quickly.

Miracle, a female capuchin at PPS, has been behaviorally conditioned to present her hand and her foot, as well as touch a target, through the use of the auditory cue of a clicker and a visual cue of a hand sign.  This could be extremely helpful to both her and our staff if at any time we need to examine either hand or foot for injury, as well as if we need her to move to a particular location in her enclosure by moving the target to that area. Not only is this beneficial for monitoring health, but it also provides her with stimulating enrichment and problem solving because she must discover the relation between her actions and the outcome of receiving a reward.  We have found Miracle to be highly focused and eager during training sessions.   She is quickly able to associate a specific behavior with a reward, and then duplicate the behavior when the visual and verbal cue is presented.  Miracle is also able to remember behaviors long after they have been learned, even when training sessions have not occurred for extended periods of time.
 


Special Topic: Intern Kia
Understanding the Background of Colony Management

Colony management at PPS involves pairing single individuals to create social pairs or groups. It also involves the placement of pairs/groups within the colony. It is not only important that the individuals get along with one another, but they must also be comfortable with the other pairs or species that surround them in their enclosure. In the wild, marmosets and tamarins live in colonies that are made up of families and pairings. They co-operate and help one another with food calls, food sharing, protection, alarm calls, and infant care.
To be successful in colony management, there are many behaviors, interactions and attributes of individuals that have to be considered before moving an animal from one enclosure to another. The first thing to consider is the age of an individual. An older monkey should not be placed in to the extension, as it is more open to the elements than the corridor enclosures. Older monkeys are better suited to placement in the corridor, where they have the option of staying inside or going out to the green room.  The indoor portion is better protected from the winds, and we have the option to close them indoors when the weather is stormy.

When attempting to pair individuals we give them the opportunity to be in close proximity in order to observe if they might be interested in each other. We consider who would be better placed in a portable enclosure outside another individual’s enclosure and who would be better suited to staying inside their enclosure. In this case, easily stressed and agitated individuals, like Indiana, may not be comfortable in a portable where many monkeys would surround her. Individuals that are calm and more relaxed, like Oona, are better-suited individuals to move into portables for possible introductions.

When making movements in the corridor or extension it is important to consider all of the monkeys who will be affected by the movement. For example two females (or males) cannot be placed opposite an enclosure containing a single male (or female) of the same species, because they will compete for dominance. This can possibly lead to fights in a otherwise stable pair. It is important to understand the history and behaviors of each individual because it will help determine and anticipate if a placement is likely to work well, without actually moving individuals and causing stress. For example, a single male like Sylvan should not be placed opposite a male of the same species. Sylvan gets agitated and chitters when males of the same species are given food or attention. One type of placement that works well is marmosets opposite tamarins. The differences between the two species mean they do not interact much across the corridor. Another good placement would be single females opposite one another, for example Camille and Indiana are placed opposite one another.

There are currently several single individuals that we will be trying to pair in the near future.  In order to have the best chance of success in pairings as well as placement, we use what we know of individuals’ behaviors, interactions and attributes to make educated assessments.

Sources: PPS Intern Manual




Special Topic:  Intern Caley 
Spider Monkeys by Christina Campbell.  Chapter 4- Diets of Wild Spider Monkeys: Animal Prey

Spider monkey diets consist of a variety of fruits, plants, fungi, wood, and even some invertebrates and insects. All Ateles species’ diets are determined by the regions they live and the seasons that foods are available.
Animal prey is a small part of the spider monkey diet, and consists of a select group of caterpillars, Meliponid bees (a genus of stingless bees, widespread in warm areas of the Neotropics) and termites. Spider monkeys typically forage for insects in short term splurges feeding on one insect species at a time.  These feeding bouts last for a couple of weeks each year. To obtain caterpillars, the monkeys will usually find them on a specific tree and then travel around searching for more caterpillars for up to 50 minutes or more. 

To collect Meliponid bees, spider monkeys will position themselves at arms length, and then stick their arms in, to disturb the nest.  They collect the bees in their hair, and will consume up to 100 bees in a single feeding. In a study by Van Roosmalin, it was noted that spider monkeys will eat only select types of termites. In another study, spider monkeys were seen eating the termite nest, and not the termites directly.  This consumption of soil is known as Geophagy. Campbell pgs. 109-110).

At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, the outdoor enclosure of spider monkey brothers, Carlos and Montana, provides them with access to various insects, allowing them to forage naturally, like they would in the wild.




“One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable. We shall then have discovered our souls and become worthier of sharing this planet with them.”
                  —Martin Luther King Jr.






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

Friday, August 15, 2014


 
 Embracing Hawaiian Values at PPS
Ancient Hawaiians had an authentic and compelling way of viewing the world.  They held that:
All things are connected to one another and to the Source.
Pacific Primate Sanctuary is founded on the same worldview and we have discovered that our practices are based on many traditional Hawaiian beliefs, principles and values.
 
The Kumulipo is the Hawaiian Creation and Genealogy Chant, it tells of the beginning of our world and recites the birth order of all different life forms as they are born. The Kumulipo begins in Pō (darkness/night) before life existed, and the very first being that is created is the coral polyp, a tiny organism that is the building block for life in the sea.  The chant continues to describe the different organisms that are born, in the order they come into being, each one increasing in size and complexity.  Kānaka, or people/humankind, is the last to be born.  Kānaka is born into the same family as the sea, the land, the plants, and all the other animals.  We all come from the same Source, , and therefore we are all related and connected. Since Kānaka is the last to be born, humans are the younger siblings of the ‘Aina (Land), and all other living things. As the youngest in this family, it is our kuleana (responsibility) to serve our older siblings, this refers to both the Beings created before us in the Kumulipo, as well as the other humans who came before us (our elders).  We observe, listen, respect and learn from the natural world and our ancestors, and in return, they care for us and provide for our needs. The Hawaiians consider themselves stewards of the ’Aina, this Earth, and, are responsible for caring for it, and protecting it for their children.  
 
At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we embrace this philosophy, and believe it is our kuleana to protect and nurture the land, and care for other Beings with respect. The following beliefs and ideals are central to the Hawaiian Culture, as well as to the Sanctuary’s mission, philosophy, and practices.
 
Aloha- One of the most commonly used and most powerful words in the Hawaiian language. Aloha has several levels of meaning.  On the surface, aloha means- love, affection, compassion, mercy, charity.  When broken down, the meaning deepens (Alo—presence, front, face) + (ha=breath, or life energy)- The presence of (Divine) breath, giving aloha a spiritual context.  A further meaning of the Aloha Spirit includes:
  • Ala— Mindful Awareness of the Moment
  • Lokahi— Balance and Harmony
  • Oia’i’o— Truth, Authenticity and Honesty. Being Authentic to Yourself and Responsible to Others
  • Ha’aha’a— Being Humble.  The multiple, repeated root Ha refers to you as a Spirit Having a Human Experience.
  • Ahonui— Patient and Enduring 
Aloha guides the way Hawaiians interact with one another, the animals, the plants and the Earth itself.  It creates a feeling of mutual respect and compassion.  At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we make every effort to “Keep the Aloha Alive”. The animals are always treated with love, respect and kindness.  As an entirely volunteer organization, every person who helps the monkeys is doing so purely out of the goodness of their heart, with no rewards or incentives other than a desire to contribute their compassionate care. This positive, selfless service is healing to the monkeys, as well as to their caregivers.

 
Pono- Harmony and balance, to do what is right, meaning upright, goodness, righteous, to correct, to set right. To work towards an enlightened and positive path in Life.
 
The most important guiding principle at PPS is to always do what is right for the animals.  We strive to rectify the wrongs, the harms they have experienced, and provide them with a home where they can live in the natural world with others of their own kind.  This is their birthright.
 
Ho’oponopono- This is a Hawaiian forgiveness and healing ritual, which can be done on one self, or between individuals.  The meaning literally is to make right, or to “set on the right path for the greater good of everyone” Ho’oponopono is a form of mental and emotional cleansing, which allows a person to “clear the path” or remove obstacles and burdens that hinder him/her. 
 
Traditionally this was often used to resolve family and social conflicts in Hawaiian society. It was also regularly used by healing practitioners, or Lapa’au, to remove any personal obstacles before working on a patient, in order to be in the right frame of mind to offer help.  Ho’oponopono was then done on the patient, releasing inner turmoil and pain in order to allow healing (physical, mental and emotional) to occur.  Hawaiians believed that illness was the physical manifestation of spiritual and emotional difficulties such as stress, anger, guilt, etc.  Healing must tend to all three levels- physical, emotional and spiritual to be effective.  The physical healing was the most basic level- this includes medications, application of bandages, etc.  Far more important was the emotional and spiritual healing, which Hoʻoponopono addressed.
 
The most important thing we do at PPS is to heal, using our hands, hearts and spirits! Before entering any animal care areas, the caretakers stop to center themselves and become fully present, and aligned with the animals. The practice of Ho’oponopono is central in all that we do for the primates.  
 
The physical aspect of care giving is important; we provide the monkeys with food, shelter and medical care, without which they could not live.  However, the aloha, love and intention that go into the making of the food, providing the medications, and keeping the enclosures clean is what truly heals the animals. It is vital to the wellbeing of the animals, that the people who care for them be in the right state of mind, connected to the Source and focused on the physical and emotional needs of the animals, and not on their own personal concerns or difficulties.
 
Malama ‘Ainato care for and nurture the land so it can give back all we need to sustain life for ourselves and our future generations, to live in harmony with the land. Here at the Sanctuary, we nurture the land, growing fresh fruits and vegetables for the animals, as well as propagating plants for their enclosures. We utilize non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies, reuse and recycle as much as possible. The Sanctuary minimizes the impact on our precious resources. Many of the monkeys at PPS have become endangered in their native rainforests, which are disappearing at the fastest rate in history.
 
At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we believe that caring for the land and the animals is vital to restoring our planet and returning it to a state of equilibrium.
 
Sources:
http://www.oocities.org/~olelo/shelties/mahalo-aloha.html
http://www.kahunahaleolono.org/language.html
http://sustainablemeasures.com/Training/Indicators/Def-Hawi.html
http://www.kumukahi.org/index.php/units/ka_hikina/kumulipo


PPS SUPPORTER COMMENTS
 
We recently received the following message Nick, who sent his “pet” monkey, Macaco, to Pacific Primate Sanctuary because he wanted to give him a better life.  Macaco has now been at PPS for several years, and has learned primate vocalizations, to leap with ease in the greenery, and the skills needed to live as a monkey.  After getting an update on Macaco, along with a current photo, Nick wrote:   “He looks fantastic! Always love seeing these pictures and still think of everyone at the Sanctuary every day. Don't know what I would've done without you.”
 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS
 
Donating to Pacific Primate Sanctuary can be as simple as doing an Internet search!  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, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  GoodSearch offers many other ways to generate donations for Pacific Primate Sanctuary, including GoodShopping, GoodDining, GoodTravel, GoodOffers and more.  Visit their website to find out the details: http://www.goodsearch.com/
 
Use GoodShop for all your Back To School Shopping and a portion of your purchase will be donated to PPS.
 
Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, 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 pps@pacificprimate.org
 
Our Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
- commercial power washer                                    - sewing machine
- heavy-duty weed eater                                         - construction tools                                    
- gardening supplies & equipment                          - pillowcases and baby blankets
- pet carriers                                                           - ride-on lawnmower
 
 Please contact us at pps@pacificprimate.org if you have an item you’d like 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


Please help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the 50 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and help us care for the Beings with whom we share the Earth.



PPS INTERNSHIP

Introducing New PPS Resident Intern, Amanda, who will be joining us on August 18th. Amanda’s animal care experience includes general husbandry of gibbons and sun bears, observational studies of elephants at the Oakland Zoo, and data collection at The Marine Science Institute. This will be her first experience caring for New World Primates, and we are eager to share our knowledge with her, so that she may work towards becoming a Primary Animal Caregiver.

In her acceptance letter, Amanda writes:
Thank you for notifying me of my selection as your resident New World Primate Caregiver/Office Assistant at Pacific Primate Sanctuary…. I am very pleased to accept.

I have a strong interest in primates, conservation, and animal behavior. This past year I worked volunteering with the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) in Phuket and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC) in Sepilok where my responsibilities included husbandry work, environmental education, and office work.  During my time at the BSBCC I created an enrichment manual, various volunteer instructional materials, and started an enrichment competition amongst the staff, encouraging enrichment that engages the bears for a longer amount of time and provides a fun activity for staff as well.  

I have recently started volunteering for The Marine Science Institute, collecting data and returned to volunteering with the Oakland Zoo for behavioral observations. 

I have extensive office experience, primarily as an Office Manager with Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth where I was responsible for building and maintaining the student database, bookkeeping, all registration updates for the site, training and supervising other office staff, general customer service, and a variety of other office duties that I am positive have shaped me into a strong candidate for the office portion of the internship as well. 

I am hoping to learn about new world primates and the running of a primate sanctuary in a rigorous, in-depth program.  I find what I know about your sanctuary’s work to be inspiring and l would really like to contribute.


Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank you very much!) to Erin B. for all that she accomplished during her 6 weeks as a homecoming “Intern”, and for helping to restore the Sanctuary to a superior level of operation. The current Interns care for the monkeys and the facility with a high level of commitment, enthusiasm, and skill, which can clearly be attributed to the training they received from Erin B. The PPS Interns’ attention to detail, understanding of the animals’ needs, and expertise in enclosure set up, reflect Erin’s standards, knowledge, and dedication. Team PPS will carry that forward!  She also taught PPS operations manager, Erin O. proper microscope use, and how to evaluate samples for diagnosis, a skill that will be greatly beneficial to the animals in our care.  It was a joy and blessing to have Erin B. back at PPS and she will always have an open invitation to return to PPS!

Erin B. writes:
A huge Mahalo to the entire Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc. Ohana! The last 6 weeks have been so amazing; words cannot fully express my gratitude! Mahalo to Lucy for inviting me, treating me like a member of the family, and for being the rock that keeps the Sanctuary on solid ground. To Erin O for retraining me, working with me to return the Sanctuary to it's former beauty, and keeping the monkeys' well being as a priority. It was fun remembering the old days! To Terese who became a fast friend and my means to my beach sanctuary, for creating that beautiful garden that I spent many hours in, and her dedication to the well being of the monkeys. To the new Interns Kia and Kenzie, Mahalo for allowing me to be the crazy monkey lady that I am and taking the time to do this beautiful, sometimes very dirty, work. Take care of my kids and embrace every moment of your time here. Breathe in all of the knowledge and experience and carry it with you throughout your life. To Kaitlin for coming back for the summer and bringing all of your experience to help out the 'new girls'. To all of the other volunteers, Mahalo for all that you do for the monkeys. You are all in my thoughts; I miss you already! A Hui Ho! (Until we meet again)


Welcome to PPS supporting Intern, Caley, who will be volunteering full time until December.  Caley has worked with a large variety of animals, and has participated in Internships and volunteer opportunities at numerous facilities including the Honolulu Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Sea Life Park. In the fall, she will be entering her second year as a student enrolled in the new Veterinary Technician program at Windward Community College, on Oahu. She is dedicated to caring for animals, and eager to learn more about the care and husbandry of New World primates.  As a short-term Intern, Caley will participate in training in the first two modules of our Internship Program, which include animal and facility care and emergency care procedures.

Caley writes: I am currently a vet tech student at Windward Community College. I am happy to say that I will be joining you soon as an Intern primate caregiver/ office assistant from June to the middle of August. It is a short internship due to the fact that I have to go back to school. I hope in this short time to learn as much as possible in primate care, record keeping and any other functions needed to help out with the Sanctuary. I hope to take this knowledge back to further my education making me a well rounded animal caregiver of exotic animals most notably primates, so that I will be able to handle a variety of care giving situations. I look forward to meeting everyone soon and hopefully it will be an exciting and educational experience. 

We are happy to have Caley on Team PPS!
                                                                                      

The PPS Resident Internship Would Not Be Possible Without The Support Of Our Compassionate Donors. Funding for this essential program is needed in order to provide housing, utilities, and supplies for our 2014- 2015 Resident Interns.

To find out how you can contribute to Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Internship Program, please email us at: pps@pacificprimate.org
or Donate now at http://pacificprimate.org/help.htm


CONTINUING EDUCATION
 
Special Topic: Intern Kenzie
The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus
Chapter 2: Behavioral Ecology

Many behavioral researchers have studied the behavior ecology of the Capuchin.  A significant number of these studies deal with the use of their immediate resources in relation to their feeding habits.

The term "destructive feeder" has been coined to describe the eating habits of the genus Cebus.  This description is due to their propensity for using their resources to pound apart tough food items such as hard nuts, tough fruits, and also break through bark to forage for insects, small invertebrates, and even some smaller mammals.   This active foraging behavior is called "combinatorial" because it combines an object (potential food item) with a substrate.  These vigorous actions of combining the food items with a harder surface are considered a signature feature of capuchins' foraging activity.

This very behavior can been seen demonstrated by both of the resident capuchins, Miracle and Prospero.  When Miracle and Prospero are given a citrus fruit for grooming, often times they will hurl the fruit from a higher area of the enclosure to the ground in order to release the oils in the rind that are essential in their grooming as insect repellent.  Another common sight is the action of banging the fruit against a hard surface to achieve this same feat.  Many times, when given harder nuts such as almonds, they will find many ways of cracking them open using surfaces and other substrates.  After the food items are successfully broken in to, the capuchins use dexterous actions to extract the desired, or softer food items.




Special Topic: Intern Kia
Marmosets and Tamarins – Systematics, Behavior and Ecology
Chapter 2 – A vocal taxonomy of the callitrichids

Callitrichids have a wide range of different vocalizations. One common vocalization is the long call. The long call can be used in many different contexts such as: to defend a group against intruders of the same species, to maintain cohesion within a group, to make contact with an animal separated from the group, and possibly to attract a mate.

When monkeys in the Corridor or the Extension at the Sanctuary start to make noise, it is important to understand who is making the vocalization and why. In some cases knowing the differences in vocalizations between species can quickly help you narrow down the individual(s) making the calls.

The long calls of the saddleback tamarin (such as Galatea at PPS) have much shorter syllables than the long calls of the marmosets. The calls all stay within the same frequency range (6.0-10.0kHz) and show extensive frequency modulation.
                                                   
Cotton top tamarins have long calls that consist of two or three very long syllables that have little or no frequency modulation (1.1-1.3 kHz).

For marmosets the durations of individual syllables are quite short (100-200msec). They make many different high-pitched calls (5.5-9.0kHz). The most common call that will be heard when marmosets are alarmed is called a ‘Tsik’. When there is an upset in the Corridor or Extension relating to marmosets it is common to here rapid fire tsik/mobbing call as all the individuals engage in the sending a warning call.


Listen to captive housed White tufted eared marmoset vocalizations: http://www.marmosetcare.com/understanding-behaviour/calls.html




 

`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i
No kind deed has ever lacked its reward.





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 over 50 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Primate Update 3-14



COSMETIC TESTING
Approximately 26 million animals are used every year in the United States for scientific and commercial testing.  Animals live in windowless laboratories, and are subjected to a battery of tests, including having chemicals placed in their eyes or on their skin, and being forced to ingest or inhale chemicals to assess toxicity.  We have provided refuge to many animals born in research laboratories, and have seen first hand the pain and suffering inflicted upon them. Animal Defenders has a very enlightening video on YouTube regarding primate research.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg-uetBwGho#t=579

While many people have been led to believe that animal testing is mainly focused on the scientific and health industries, the reality is that 94% of all animal testing in the U.S. is done to determine the safety of cosmetics and household products.  In contrast, the European Union banned the testing of finished cosmetic products on animals in 2004, Israel did the same in 2007 and India did so in 2013.

There are many companies out there that do NOT utilize animal testing for their products.  LUSH fresh handmade cosmetics, a supporter of PPS, is one of those companies, and they have initiated a world wide campaign, Fighting Animal Testing, to spread awareness (see link below).  As part of their campaign, LUSH did a series of live demonstrations in stores across the world with performance artists depicting animals undergoing cosmetic testing. Their video makes a moving and strong statement; it can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4K9iSyj_lk

On March 5, 2014 Representative James Moran introduced the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 4148), to phase out the sale of cosmetics tested on animals.  Please contact your state Representative to let him/her know that you support H.R. 4148! http://www.opencongress.org/bill/hr4148-113/show

Sources:
http://www.fightinganimaltesting.com/the-lush-campaign/different-testing-policies/
http://animal-testing.procon.org/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/11/us-eu-cosmetics-testing-idUSBRE92A0M820130311

Malama Ola the Monkeys
Caring for the Health and Wellbeing of the Monkeys
One of the most important aspects of our work at Pacific Primate Sanctuary is monitoring the health of the monkeys.  Much of our primate population is elderly, and several individuals require extra care due to geriatric illness. This specialized care is based on the symptoms the monkey is presenting, and may include medications, individualized diets, stabilized branches, ramps and walkways, heat lamps, indoor housing, and extra bedding.

Spotlight on Leticia, a13-year-old Cotton Top Tamarin.  Leticia was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and pulmonary edema in 2012.  She receives several medications and supplements to help with the symptoms of her disease, including Benazepril, Salix, CoQ10, and Hawthorn Berry. Prior to starting these medications, Leticia had mobility problems, weight loss, weakness and lethargy, but fortunately, the medications manage her disease very well.  To ensure that Leticia stays safe, we have created a jungle walkway that runs the full length of her enclosure.  She also has thick, stable branches throughout the enclosure.  To keep her weight up, Leticia receives extra high calorie foods every day.
Please help us continue to provide Leticia, and the other elderly primates at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, with the necessary nutrition and essential medication!
 
WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

 
Donating to Pacific Primate Sanctuary can be as simple as doing an Internet search!  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, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  GoodSearch offers many other ways to generate donations for Pacific Primate Sanctuary, including GoodShopping, GoodDining, GoodTravel, GoodOffers and more.  Visit their website to find out the details: http://www.goodsearch.com/

Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, 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 pps@pacificprimate.org

Our Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
- commercial power washer                                    - sewing machine
- heavy-duty weed eater                                         - construction tools                            - gardening supplies & equipment                          -pillowcases and baby blankets
- pet carriers                                                            - ride-on lawnmower

 Please contact us at pps@aloha.net if you have an item you’d like 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
 
Your support is instrumental in providing for the monkeys’ basic needs and contributing to their wellbeing. May you experience the inherent happiness in helping the Beings with whom we share the Earth.



Malama Aina, Malama Kanaka
Take care of the land and the land will take care of you!

Reduce Palm Oil Use
Palm oil is currently the one of the leading causes of deforestation worldwide! The majority of palm oil is grown in the tropical countries of Indonesia and Malaysia, where palm oil plantations under active cultivation cover 16 million acres, an area similar in size to West Virginia, and this area is expanding.   We can all help stop this destruction from spreading by making the choice to avoid purchasing products with palm oil. Unfortunately, this is no easy task, because palm oil can be found in so many different products.  The El Paso Zoo has launched a Mobile App to help people make better choices about their purchases!

The El Paso Zoo presents: “The Palm Oil Guide and Scanner”. Find out what products contain palm oil and how to find alternative products without palm oil. From hand lotion to cosmetics and cookies – and even some “healthy” and organic items – palm oil is used in a variety of products we purchase every day, but the true cost of palm oil is the destruction of tropical forests. Oil palm plantations are expanding around the world as they clear rainforests to make way for larger and new palm production operations. Join the international boycott against products that contain palm oil and purchase similar products that do not contain palm oil. The choices you make every day will help decrease the demand for products that contain palm oil and help increase demand for products from responsible companies. Encourage companies that use palm oil to use alternative oils or palm oil that comes 100% from sustainable plantations that have agreed not to destroy wildlife habitats. Make the right choice today and help protect millions of wildlife and plant species like elephants, tigers, orangutans and countless other rainforest animals. 

This scanner is designed to help you make better choices at the store when you purchase food and cosmetic products that might contain palm oil. The choices you make are critical to the survival millions of plants and animals, global efforts to protect biodiversity, the health of the ecosystem and the quality of life for people everywhere.


Sponsored by the El Paso Zoological Society
Get the App here:  http://palmoilapp.com/
Quoted from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/palm-oil-guide-and-scanner/id682085035?mt=8


PPS INTERNSHIP

Sustainability Internship
Terese, a member of the PPS Advisory Board, is working towards a degree in sustainability at the University of Hawaii Maui Campus, She selected PPS for her required 3 credit Internship, focusing on efficiency through sustainability, while supporting the Sanctuary’s continued efforts to protect, preserve, and rehabilitate endangered primates. Terese is the first Sustainability Intern, but this will be an on-going opportunity for local students. Interns will be supported by senior staff during the internship, and will benefit from their mentorship and exposure to endangered species care and conservation, making this a mutually beneficial association.

Terese has made great progress in putting in a huge vegetable and herb garden next to the animal’s enclosures, as well as setting up composting bins (made out of old wooden pallets) at 3 locations around the facility to make use of the wheelbarrows full of plant material, leftover feed, and unusable fruit & vegetable waste left over from the donations we bring in twice weekly.  Terese is furthering a Sustainability Volunteer Program: recruiting and doing intake and orientation for two new volunteers who will provide invaluable help with gardening and horticulture. She has been working tirelessly and is creating long lasting, innovative, self sustaining systems, as well as providing inspiration and support to our nonprofit organization!  Terese has also been researching the installation of solar panels at the Sanctuary to reduce the exorbitant electricity bills we have been paying (averaging over $1,000 a month!). Switching to solar energy will initially cost about $12, 000, (we may be able to get a $1,000 rebate from the Hawaii Energy Commission). This would lower the Sanctuary’s electric bills for years to come. We are beginning a sustainability campaign, asking our supporters to become part of the PPS Solar System by donating any amount towards a solar energy system for PPS.  


After the PPS Resident Internship… Where Are They Now?

Since leaving PPS, Edie has been working at C.A.R.E Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education Sanctuary at Ba-Phalaborwa South Africa in the Kruger National Preserve as the Rehabilitation Phase One Supervisor for Orphaned Baboons.  Orphans are rescued, raised and released back into the wild at age four into troops that have been forged over their time livingat the sanctuary. Orphans that arrive at the center, have seen their parents poached and killed and the babies are often found clinging to their mothers. Once there, they are bottle fed and nurtured like any infant. There are a total of 700 baboons in all at the center including adults from the research industry. The sanctuary is on the Olifant River and is teemingwith elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, leopards, crocodiles, impala, wild baboons and monkeys, to name a few, who move through the sanctuary property. Although very busy in her new role, and there on a three year visa, she thinks about the Pacific Primate monkeys often and with great fondness.  Edie writes-

"I truly enjoyed my time at PPS. Coming from a zoo background, it was my first experience and involvement with the world of sanctuaries, which broadened my outlook, philosophy and perspective on animal conservation. It was an unforgettable experience I will never forget and I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to work at PPS, the relationships I built and the unforgettable memories and attachments I made with those very special charges, each unique in personality. My life was enriched and touched by all I experienced this past year including the magical setting of island life. Thank you again to Pacific Primate Sanctuary and everyone who touched my life.  I will never forget my time there."


CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Katie
Journal Article Summary: “Reliably signaling a startling husbandry event improves welfare of zoo-housed capuchins (Sapajus apella).”
Animals housed in any captive setting are affected by all observed actions of their human caregivers, even those actions that may not be directed toward the animals themselves.  Therefore, as caretakers, it is important to consider how those dependent upon us respond to our behavior in order to minimize stress and nurture their wellbeing.

Findings from behavioral research suggest that predictability and familiarity are key factors in determining how husbandry events (such as cleaning enclosures, feeding, providing veterinary care, etc.) will impact animals’ perception of and response to these activities. Typically, the more able an animal is to predict any stimuli, the less stress he or she will exhibit in response. Control or choice in their exposure to stimuli helps to increase predictability, and presumably therefore increases animals’ sense of security and ability to prepare for situational changes. In captivity, where animals have little or no control over events occurring around their enclosures, awareness of this idea is vital to maintaining a healthy, calm environment.

Predictability can be altered in two ways: temporally (i.e. by adhering stimuli to a fixed time schedule) or through association with a unique signal. In the second scenario (signaled predictability), a cue, such as a distinct sound, is given just prior to the occurrence of a specific event. Through classical conditioning, animals can learn to associate this cue or signal with the activity it precedes, and thereby expect and prepare for an event before it occurs. This association will be strongest and most effective if signals are consistent and easily distinguishable from other sights or sounds the animals might observe. Although performing husbandry activities at predictable times of day helps to reduce stress indicators, reliable signaling is even more effective and allows more scheduling flexibility!       

In their study, authors Rimpley and Buchanan-Smith measured changes in the stress-behaviors of 12 captive brown capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) before and after introducing a reliable signal to a common husbandry event. Their chosen monkeys lived at a zoo where food was given at the same time each day when zoo keepers entered their enclosures through a series of doors, some of which also lead to nearby enclosures or corridors. Rimpley and Buchanan-Smith spent a full day observing the capuchins’ behaviors to determine a “baseline” behavioral repertoire and typical sources of stress. In order to determine how the sound of doors opening and closing affected the monkeys, the researchers recorded indications of stress five minutes before and five minutes after each door could be heard. They found that, although only 30% of audible door movements actually preceded enclosure entry, the capuchins responded similarly each time they heard a door. The sound of the doors had become an unreliable signal for the capuchins, causing them to sometimes incorrectly expect food (which caused anxiety if food was not delivered) or a stressful husbandry event (such as loud repair work, veterinary examinations, etc.). Signs of stress included self-scratching, threat faces, branch shaking, urine washing, vigilance (i.e. discrete and direct staring toward a particular individual, such as through the corners their eyes while their heads were turned) and jerky motions. The keepers then began knocking clearly only before opening a door to enter the capuchin enclosure for two weeks to allow the monkeys to associate knocking with enclosure entry. After this period, Rimpley and Buchanan-Smith again observed and recorded indications of stress. They found a high frequency of stress behavior following the sound of doors prior to the introduction of knocking, and a very dramatic decrease after implementing the signal! According to the Safety-Signaling Hypothesis, when a signal is reliably paired with an upsetting or startling stimulus, the absence of that signal will assure animals that a situation will remain safe.

It is important to note that in the absence of reliable signaling, animals may associate certain people, sights, or sounds that were previously observed near an unpleasant event with feelings of anxiety (that is, that person or stimulus may unwittingly become an unreliable signal, thereby causing stress). Depending on the animal and the event, a negative association may be established after only one upsetting event, causing long-term stress of the animal each time he or she observes the caregiver or “signal” originally paired with the upsetting stimulus. Equally important is the need to be sure to ascertain the specific purpose and value of new signals before creating them. Once a signal is established and an animal relies upon it to predict certain events, this must be maintained consistently; a suddenly change or discontinuation can result in severe stress to intelligent animals such as monkeys.  Also, in order for a signal to be effective in stress reduction, close observation must be performed to accurately determine whether stress behaviors are truly in response to specific events or stimuli.

Here at PPS, reliable signaling could help our monkeys predict and prepare for otherwise potentially startling events such as power-washing, enclosure entry, or noisy work on special projects, as well as positive stimuli such as feeding and (tasty) medication! If this were to be implemented, careful preparation would need to be conducted to ensure the efficacy of any new signals, and these signals would then need to be performed by each team member throughout the years to come.

-“Reliably signaling a startling husbandry event improves welfare of zoo-housed capuchins (Sapajus apella).” Kristina Rimpley, Hanna Buchanan-Smith. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 147 (2013) 205-213.


Special Topic, Intern Shani: Hemochromatosis
Hemachromatosis (or iron storage disease) is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food and store it in the body’s tissues and organs. This disease occurs in many primate species including callitrichids. Hepatic hemosiderosis (an overload of iron in the liver) is one of the most common postmortem findings in captive callitrichid species.

The excess iron can be stored in the liver, heart, and pancreas. The excess iron poisons the organs and can cause life-threatening conditions.  Iron deposits in the pancreas can decrease insulin production and cause diabetes mellitus. Iron stored in the pancreas can also cause pancreatic cancer. Iron deposits in the heart muscle can cause heart enlargement, heart arrhythmias and heart failure. Iron stored in the liver causes liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and failure. This disease is virtually undetectable in its earlier stages unless a blood test or liver biopsy is done. Signs of hemachromotosis include lethargy, muscle weakness, weight loss and abdominal and joint pain.

There are two types of iron: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from meat products and is absorbed directly into the body. Non-heme iron can only be absorbed into the body in the presence of vitamin c. Here at PPS the majority of the fruits we feed the monkeys are high in Vitamin C, so we try to limit their iron consumption. We are also experimenting with products that inhibit non-heme iron absorption. There have been several studies showing that tannins are likely to reduce iron absorption by 65%. So far we have not had any luck getting the monkeys to drink peppermint tea or eat leaves! Some studies have shown soy protein and calcium may help to decrease iron levels. We have had more luck feeding the monkeys soy protein, and they enjoy tofu, edamame and soy yogurt! We are continuing to research new ways to reduce the amount of iron the marmosets and tamarins consume.

References:
Dr. Cathy Johnson Delaney, DVM
www.hemochromatosis.org
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis
emedicine.medscape.com/article/177216-overview


 


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 BekoffAnimals 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 over 50 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.http://pacificprimate.org/help.htm