Primate Update 12-18

Happy Holidays from the Monkeys and their Caregivers at
Pacific Primate Sanctuary

As we near the end of 2018, Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s community celebrates 35 years of selfless service to threatened and vulnerable animals. With the ongoing help of our incredible partners, the monkeys have been able to live in a natural environment, eating fresh, homegrown food, in custom-built Enclosures, with the ability to express their innate, species-specific, behaviors.

 We are grateful to be able to continue to care for the animals who have found a place of peace at PPS. Many of the monkeys at the Sanctuary have surpassed the expected lifespans for their species. The longevity of the animals at PPS is a testament to the success of our rehabilitation and animal care programs.Individuals from research laboratories, tourist attractions and the inhumane exotic pet trade have been given a safe space to live out their years in the tropical rainforest environment on Maui. Dedicated Interns and Volunteers have been trained to provide expert care to the animals, including: preparing medications, making specialized diets, customizing enclosures, and providing natural enrichment to suit the needs of each individual.

Through two donors’ generosity, PPS was able to purchase 40 custom made sleeping cubes for the monkeys and new heat lamps to keep them warm and dry at night.  Monkeys with mobility issues have been provided with specially built jungle walkways and low, stable branches that are easy to grip, while those who are younger and more active, have suspended branches at all levels to encourage their natural locomotion— climbing and jumping through the treetops.
 
In the wild, the species we care for live in the rainforests of Central and South America. Currently, all of the Amazon Rainforest is threatened, with patches of forest being decimated for timber and firewood, agriculture, construction, and mineral extraction. Climate change also affects these habitats, with drier conditions leading to an increase in forest destruction by fire. Wild primate populations are losing their native forests and are facing extinction. According to the 2018 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Report of Threatened Species, two of the species that we care for are in particular danger: black-handed spider monkeys are currently classified as “endangered”, and cotton-top tamarins are considered to be “critically endangered”. As wild primate populations decline, it becomes even more vital that we provide refuge and protection for captive individuals, and PPS is privileged to be able to do so, with the assistance of our kindhearted supporters.

This year, we have continued to raise awareness by providing training and education to members of a new generation of conservationists, environmentalists, and ecologists. Mentored student volunteers are taught how to provide compassionate care to vulnerable and endangered species and to understand the global issues threatening their populations. We share our mission and values with each individual in the PPS community, helping to instill a sense of empathy and humanity towards our fellow beings. Consciousness-raising, regarding animal welfare and conservation, has also been achieved through online newsletters and social media. In 2018, we were able to provide training to numerous Resident Interns, local Volunteers, and an Assistant Manager, as well as create a new position, Primate Care Supervisor. The insight and understanding gained from involvement with PPS, impacts the future personal and professional lives of students, interns, volunteers, and the public and affects an ever-widening circle of people with whom they interact.

We are honored to have received the 2018 Top Rated Nonprofit Award from GreatNonprofits, for the 5^thyear in a row, thanks to the many positive reviews from our donors, supporters and volunteers:  http://greatnonprofits.org/orgn/pacific-primate-sanctuary-inc

Interns and Volunteers share their experiences at PPS in 2018:
“Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a nurturing and healing place for both the animals who have found a home here, as well as for the dedicated team of Volunteers who donate their time. The well-being of the animals is the top priority, and they are cared for with the utmost respect and compassion. The animals are not exploited in any way, and they are free to live out their days in peace. The atmosphere at PPS is one of quiet joy, positive energy, and benevolence. I have been a Volunteer at PPS for over 11 years, and feel truly blessed to be a part of this phenomenal organization.” - Erin Enriques, PPS COO

“Each day, I am blessed to serve these creatures who are beautiful both inside and out, and help provide them with the natural and free lifestyle they deserve.” - Jessica Franco, past PPS Intern and Assistant Manager

“The Sanctuary is unique in that our work is dedicated solely to giving the animals the peaceful, fulfilling lives they deserve. In all my work with animals, I have never seen a place so dedicated to understanding the specific behaviors, needs, and tendencies of each individual that resides here. Rather than just meeting their basic needs, the Sanctuary gives each individual the specialized care they need to heal and grow, both physically and emotionally. The Sanctuary is just that... a Sanctuary. It is a place of nurturing compassion, love, and healing for all those who enter. I will forever be grateful for my time at PPS and the opportunity to live and grow with the amazing primates here- both monkey and human alike.” - Olivia Jarrett, current PPS Intern

The Sanctuary’s life-saving work would not be possible without the many devoted, caring individuals who donate their time, skills, money and resources to our organization. We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters who have helped to make 2018 another successful and significant year.

Sources:
-Rylands, A.B. & Mendes, S.L. 2008. Callithrix penicillata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species2008: e.T41519A10486326. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T41519A10486326.en. Downloaded on 29 October 2018.
-Butler, Rhett. “A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face - information on tropical forests, deforestation, and biodiversity”. Mongabay. rainforests.mongabay.com

 


HAWAIIAN CULTURE and VALUES

The Hawaiian ancestors adhered to a set of values that guided their daily lives. Their unique beliefs, principles and proverbs have been passed down, through the generations, and are still an important part of traditional Hawaiian society today. In this, and ongoing issues of Primate Update, we explore how the Sanctuary embodies traditional Hawaiian world views, perspectives and practices.

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

The Hawaiians believed that an opportunity to help one another is a gift to both people, and that to live with Aloha,is to have a giving nature. Giving was done for the pleasure of serving others, and not with the expectation of receiving something in return. One of the founding principles of Pacific Primate Sanctuary is that we, as individuals, do not benefit financially or socially from our efforts, rather we offer our service to care for others, to animals who have been exploited and abused. For 35 years, the Sanctuary has exemplified the principal of selfless service by operating an entirely volunteer organization. We believe that a small candle can dispel a great darkness,that compassionate caring and selfless service to others will help to heal the world.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time for generosity and goodwill, but sadly, consumerism and stress have become far more common this time of year. In the days when discount shopping and materialism seem to be overwhelming people, many of us are searching for more meaningful ways spend our time and give back. Following is a list of suggestions that can help to make your holidays, and the upcoming year, particularly meaningful and memorable.

1. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Whether it’s caring for animals and their home at PPS, helping out at a local soup kitchen, or visiting seniors in a nursing home, volunteering is a gratifying way to spend your time. Volunteering creates a deep sense of fulfillment and you’ll feel good helping others.

2. DONATE TO A WORTHY CAUSE

Instead of buying more stuff that people on your holiday gift list probably don’t need, make a gift donationto Pacific Primate Sanctuary in their honor (see Gift Contributionslater in this newsletter for details). Or collect change in a jar all year and at the end of the year, give the jar anonymously to an organization or individual who could benefit from the money.


3. THANK YOU

Write a quick thank you note to the people who provide a service to you and your family every day– teachers, bus drivers, doctors and nurses, mail carriers, trash collectors, etc. A little recognition can go a long way towards brightening someone’s day. This is a particularly good activity to do with kids, helping to encourage a sense of gratitude at a young age.


4. ERRANDS

Ask your friends, neighbors and family members: “Can I pick something up for you?” Many people are busy and overextended this time of year. If you’re going to the store already, call a neighbor you think could use a break and ask if she’d like you to pick something up for her while you’re at the store. This small gesture can really mean a lot to a busy mom, a sick grandparent, or a college student in the middle of finals week.


5. WRITE LETTERS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

When is the last time you received a handwritten letter in the mail? Think of the amazing people in your life. Take some time to write them a letter telling them why they are important to you, and to share what has been going on in your life.


6.     DONATE GOODS TO CHARITY

This is a perfect time of year to go through your house, and get rid of the things you don’t need; clothes and toys children have outgrown, kitchen supplies you never use, old electronics that you have replaced, etc. Pacific Primate Sanctuary is always looking for gently used sheets, pillow cases, baby blankets, and towels. You can also donate clothing and toys to organizations like the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Sisters, or a local homeless shelter, and the items you no longer use will go to someone who needs them.

Sources:
https://www.tourmaui.com/hawaiian-quotes-proverbs/
-https://www.care2.com/causes/10-things-to-do-instead-of-shopping-on-black-friday.html
-https://www.bradaronson.com/good-deeds-for-the-holidays/
-http://morningmanao.blogspot.com/2009/05/hopena-aloha-mai-e-na-makamaka-aloha.html

MEET the PPS TEAM MEMBERS

Farewell to Assistant Manager Jessica, who has moved back to the mainland to pursue a doctorate degree.  In her role asAssistant Manager, Jessica was responsible for coordinating the Volunteer program, creating the monthly Volunteer Schedule, and helping to supervise the staff.  During her time in this position, Jessica reviewed and revised PPS Medical, Procedures, Intern, and Management Manuals.  She also assisted with Grant research, helping to find potential funding opportunities.  Jessica took the lead on our Behavioral Conditioning program, and made excellent progress with many of the animals. Jessica’s efforts have ensured t

hat Artemis, who has kidney disease, is now able to be easily and safely caught for regular SubQ fluids with minimal stress.  Jessica demonstrated her commitment to PPS and the monkeys without fail, always considering the needs of the animals and the Sanctuary when making plans and decisions.  She was eager to learn as much as she could, and to be a support in any way possible. It was evident that Jessica cared deeply about each monkey at PPS, and was fully invested in their wellbeing.  She valued positivity and growth, both for herself and for the other team members.  In her final 2 months, Jessica made every effort to pass on her knowledge to the remaining team members, particularly Primate Care Supervisor, Lauren, who has assumed some of Jessica’s responsibilities.  She was an invaluable member of the PPS Team; we are deeply grateful for her time at PPS, and she is already dearly missed.

Jessica writes: It’s hard to believe over two years have passed since beginning my journey with PPS. Originally, I was drawn to the Animal Care Internship due to its comprehensive nature, educating Interns in a wide variety of areas such basic animal care, primate behavior and communication, emergency care, behavioral conditioning, and colony management. My initial Internship proved to be a wonderful experience, and I was excited to be asked to stay on for the additional Assistant Manager training, learning further aspects related to sanctuary management, including supervising medical care and colony management, overseeing Volunteer and Interns, grant work, and social media.  

During my time at PPS, I have been blessed with memories that I will forever hold dear, and the bond that I have formed with the monkeys has brought me happiness each and every day. Although there have been times of sadness, when despite everyone’s best efforts, it has simply been a monkey’s time to pass, the knowledge of giving them comfort in their time of need has brought peace to my heart. And of course, for every moment of sadness, there have been countless moments of joy; nursing Genevieve back to health after a pancreatic flare-up, and watching her slowly but surely get better and better each day, working with Artemis on training that would allow her, after two years, to safely return to her outdoor Enclosure, and teaching Neptune how to climb again after his knee injury, just to name a few. 

Aside from my memories with the monkeys, I have also built countless memories and friendships with fellow Interns & Volunteers from across the world. I have learned so much about different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles, and will forever treasure all they have taught me about life and, ultimately, how to be a better person. I am so thankful to have met these people, and though I am sad to be leaving, I take comfort in the knowledge that they will remain lifelong friends. As my time at PPS comes to an end, I know I will be forever grateful for all that I have been able to do here, and even the small differences I have been able to make each day to improve the lives of the everyone here, both human and monkey.

Assistant Manager, Jessica, has made outstanding, substantial, and enduring contributions to PPS and she will always be part of the Pacific Primate Sanctuary Community.

                                          
                                              HOW YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

The Season of Giving
The end of the year is upon us; it is a time of year to celebrate with friends and family and remember the year past. It is a time when joy, kindness, and the spirit of generosity abound. Below are ways you can help Pacific Primate Sanctuary during this time of giving and goodwill.

Gift Contributions
Many of us do not value the commercialism of the holiday buying binge and are searching for truly meaningful ways to give to our family and friends. 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 gift helps to feed and care for threatened, endangered and distressed primates. Please visit our website for additional details:http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm

AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Pacific Primate Sanctuary every time you shop at Amazon, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to PPS. Go to smile.amazon.com, and select Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your charity, or you can click on the following link:  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/99-0285731

GoodShop
Use GoodShop.com for your shopping. After designating Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your nonprofit of choice, you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a substantial percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the Sanctuary!  GoodShop also provides many valuable coupons to use towards your purchases. When you select a store, you will automatically be redirected to a coupon page for that store.

“Giving is not just about making a donation, It is about making a difference.”
-Kathy Calvin, CEO of United Nations Foundation

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 joining the Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Community, by volunteering your time and skills, please e-mail:  pacificprimatesanctuary@gmail.com

Facebook Fundraisers
Facebook now offers online fundraising opportunities, which allow anyone to create a fundraiser for Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Many people have chosen to do a Birthday Fundraiserand raise funds for charity in honor of their birthday. On your personal Facebook page, click on the Fundraisers link, then select “Raise Money for a Nonprofit Organization”. You can then select Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.as your charity, and begin raising donations by sharing with your friends and family.
https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/about/

How to Contribute Directly
We rely on and deeply appreciate your continued partnership. Please make tax-deductible donations to the Sanctuary on our Website: www.pacificprimate.organd on Facebook, using PayPal, or by sending a check to:                                     

Pacific Primate Sanctuary
500-A Haloa Road
Haiku, HI 96708

“Malama ‘Ola the Monkeys” and help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the monkeys at 
Pacific Primate Sanctuary and contribute to the care of the
Beings with whom we share the Earth!

 


CONTINUING EDUCATION

Intern Olivia: Special Topic
Spider monkey conservation in the twenty-first century: recognizing risks and opportunities

The endangerment of wild animal species is a growing concern in today’s world, and nonhuman primates, our closest biological relatives, are not immune to its effects. As of January 2017, 60% of the world’s primate species were on the course to extinction, with 75% already in steady decline. Spider Monkeys are no exception to this catastrophe; they are listed among the IUCN’s (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) top 25 most endangered primate species, with many subspecies considered “critically endangered”.

Spider monkey populations face a number of threats, the most prominent being habitat loss, habitat degradation, and hunting. The first threat, massive habitat loss, is driven by land clearance and agricultural expansion. Forests cover almost half of the land in Latin America, the native forests of the spider monkey. This region is subjected to an increasing deforestation rate, and loses more than five million hectares of forest every year. The second threat to life in the Neotropics is habitat degradation via practices like selective logging and other forms of vegetative disturbance. The third major threat that spider monkeys face is being hunted. Spider monkeys have large ranging areas and spend much of their time in the upper levels of the forest canopy. Therefore, they use loud vocalizations to stay in contact with other individuals in their group, as well as warn others of potential danger. Their loud vocalizations and large body size, while helpful in locating one another, also serve as a disadvantage by making them an easy target for the humans who hunt them. In fact, they are often the first Neotropical primates to disappear from an area being ravaged by human hunting.

The results of these external threats are magnified by spider monkeys’ slow birth rates, feeding habits, and method of travel. Spider monkeys have prolonged gestation periods, infant dependency, and interbirth intervals. These factors combine to make their populations especially susceptible to the negative impacts of hunting and deforestation. The effects of habitat disturbance, too, are magnified for spider monkeys, as demonstrated in a study by Johns and Skorupa (1987). The study found body size and feeding preference to be the best predictors of a species’ susceptibility to logging activities; as large-bodied frugivores, spider monkeys are among the most susceptible. Additionally, spider monkeys’ preference for the upper canopy may further their vulnerability, as they rely on aerial pathways to navigate through their forest- when trees are cut, these aerial pathways disappear. The magnified effects of habitat disturbance have been demonstrated by spider monkeys’ failure to persist in smaller patches of forest.

Spider monkeys are among the most specialized seed dispersers in the animal kingdom. Their role in seed dispersal deems them vital to the existence of countless plant species (and therefore animal species) in the Neotropics. Understanding this only emphasizes the importance of protecting their species, and therefore preserving the biodiversity of the Neotropics.

Considering current populations and extinction trends in primates, the world will soon face a major extinction event if action is not taken. At PPS, we work to educate others on the threats that many primate species face in the Neotropics. We urge for a change in the way humans impact their environment and contribute to decreasing populations. Due to their backgrounds, the primates at PPS cannot be released in the wild. Nonetheless, we advocate for their wild relatives in hopes that they may one day live in a safe and protected environment, free from the current problems caused by humans.


Works Cited:

• Cawthon Lang, Kristina. “Primate Factsheets: Black Spider Monkey: Genus Ateles Paniscus.” Primate Info Net. National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 2010, http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/black_spider_monkey. Accessed 8 Aug. 2018.
• Estrada, A., Garber, P. A., et al. “Impending extinction crisis of the world’s primates: why primates matter”. Science Advances 3.1 (2017). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600946.Accessed 4 Sept. 2018.
• Ramos-Fernandez, G., and Wallace, R. B. “Spider monkey conservation in the twenty-first century: recognizing risks and opportunities”.Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles. Edited by Christina Campbell. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print, pp. 351-376.
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2018-1. www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed 4 Sept. 2018.

Intern Kaylee: Special Topic

Tamarin Predation Pressures

Tamarin lifestyle is heavily influenced by the predation pressures they encounter on a daily basis in their native habitats. Tamarins have many predators in the wild, such as raptors, hawks, snakes, and ocelots, and they must always remain vigilant. As they often live in groups of up to seven individuals, this task is achieved more easily. Establishing territories, both spanning across the land and vertically up through the rainforest, aids in separation between established groups, and creates a home range that the animals patrol and protect. Observations of wild tamarins demonstrates that they call to each other frequently throughout the day within their territories, whether to alert the group of food, possible predators, or to maintain knowledge of general whereabouts.

An adaptation that tamarins have evolved, to reduce vulnerability from nocturnal predators, is to retire to their sleeping site before dusk each evening. Tamarin sleeping site choices are often the most concealed, high above the forest floor, and concealed from above. Routinely, each night all the tamarins in a group will sleep close together, in a tight ball, limbs entwined, (historically, at the Sanctuary, the babies are innermost, with older females holding them close, with the father over the top of the rest of the family, protecting them with his body.)  Due to the likely susceptibility to predators, the last place that a tamarin wants to find him or herself, is alone. Sleep patterns also seem to vary by species; Galatea, a saddleback tamarin at PPS, goes to bed earlier than all of the other monkeys. Andrew Smith noted, in an article regarding sleeping patterns of saddleback tamarins, that they often retire to sleep before other species of tamarins, likely due to a variety of factors that influence species differently, including differences in predation pressures.

At PPS, we make every effort to create a habitat that is as natural as possible for the monkeys. The monkeys at PPS can experience natural regions in their Enclosures, which are designed to mimic the five layers of the rainforest (emergent, canopy, middle layer, shrubs, and herbs).  The sleeping cube that each monkey has in his/her Enclosure is located as high as possible, has a covered top, and has enough room for a family to sleep curled together. Although their Enclosures protect them from predation dangers, the monkeys at PPS still react to perceived threats as they would in the wild. If an unusual noise occurs outside, one tamarin may make an alarm call to alert the others, which reverberates throughout the Corridor, instantly accompanied by the alarm calls of the other monkeys. Caretakers investigate every sound of alarm, assess and try to mitigate whatever is causing the distress— it may be a bird who has flown directly above an Enclosure, a mongoose running by, or other creature burrowed nearby.

References

• Rylands, Anthony B. Marmosets and Tamarins Systematics, Behaviour, and Ecology. Oxford Science Publications: Oxford University Press, 1993.
• Smith, Andrew C., et al. “Long-Term Patterns of Sleeping Site Use in Wild Saddleback (Saguinus Fuscicollis) and Mustached Tamarins (S. Mystax): Effects of Foraging, Thermoregulation, Predation, and Resource Defense Constraints.” American Journal of Physical Anthropology, vol. 134, no. 3, 2007, pp. 340–353., doi:10.1002/ajpa.20676.
• PPS F9 Cotton Top Tamarin Ethology

Intern Cookie: Special Topic
Constructing Phylogenies

Constructing a phylogenetic tree is useful tool for developing a more holistic understanding of a given species. Phylogenyis the study of evolutionary relationships, from which we can determine shared ancestry and genetic proximity to other species within the animal kingdom. Species are distinct from one another based on how genotypes(inherited characteristics), phenotypes(the way genes physically manifest themselves), and behaviors are uniquely blended. This group of characteristics determines how an individual occupies and responds to a given environment. A species will sometimes evolve novel traits, known as adaptations, to exploit a niche in a given environment.

Because evolution is often a slow process that occurs over millions of years, traits change relatively rarely, and descendants of a common ancestor will often share many common characteristics. We can use phylogenies to illustrate the dates of a species’ divergence from a common ancestor and use this information to estimate when and how a trait or adaptation evolved. Specifically, we can use phylogenetic relationships to construct which features are primitive(shared with a common ancestor) and which characteristics are derived(different from common ancestor). Since it is difficult to definitively reconstruct the evolutionary record, in mapping phylogeny, we must use the evidence available to make inferences about ancestral relationships. These inferences are often made using the parsimony principle, a principle meaning the simplest answer that requires the fewest evolutionary changes is the best answer. Take the following example:




Species A and B have brown fur, and species C has white fur. Based on the parsimony principle, we infer that the ancestral trait is brown fur, which was conserved in species B. Therefore, by following this principle, we also determine the white fur in species C is derived, or newly evolved.

While physical traits and appearance can be useful to determine relatedness, especially using the parsimony principle, species that are genetically distant will sometimes share convergent features. Convergent traitsare traits that are similar between two species that are not closely related. These traits are typically reflective of a common way of adapting to a particular environment and not necessarily of shared ancestry. For example, both humans and chickens are bipedal, upright walkers, but these two organisms are not this way because their last shared ancestor was also a biped. Instead, they are similarly upright, two-legged movers due to the common conditions they inhabit. Therefore, we must also use other available evidence, besides physical traits, to supplement our understanding of evolutionary relationships. The fossil record as well as molecular dating and genetic sequencing are important and oftentimes more accurate means of reconstructing phylogenies. Phylogenies ideally incorporate many different types of evidence upon which ancestral connections are then based.

We can use tree-thinking to better understand the monkeys at the Pacific Primate Sanctuary (PPS). PPS is home to 7 different New World Primate species. New World Monkeys of South and Central America are also known as Platyrrhines, and their phylogeny is depicted below:
        


From this phylogenetic tree, we can see that Cebusis within the Cebidaefamily, and that Atelidaeand Pitheciidaeare other families. PPS is home to capuchins (Cebus), spider monkeys (Ateles),marmosets (Callithrix)and tamarins (Saguinus).Although spider monkeys and capuchins may initially seem more genetically close because they are physically similar in terms of large body size and prehensile tails that assist arboreal locomotion, we know that these features just reflect convergence. Both spider monkeys and capuchins occupy the upper canopy of the rainforest, and their tails assist with stability and movement. Capuchins are actually more closely related to marmosets and tamarins, which are small monkeys that lack grasping tails. Using phylogeny, we know that the species in Cebidae will therefore have some similarities in behavior, diet, communication, and habitat that we should take into consideration. These traits are useful when designing enclosures and monitoring social interactions. For example, Cebidshave opposable thumbs, making these monkeys highly manually dexterous. Using this information, we know that we may be able to provide similar forms of enrichment to engage the forelimbs of both the capuchins and the marmosets at the Sanctuary. As caregivers, it is important to know not only about the individual histories of each monkey we house but also to have awareness of their evolutionary histories.

References

-Avise, J. C. Evolutionary Pathways in Nature: A Phylogenetic Approach. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2006.
-Fragaszy, Dorothy M., Visalberghi, Elisabetta, Fedigan, Linda M. The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004.

-Kay, Richard F. “Pitheciidae and Other Platyrrhine Seed Predators.” Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Titis, Sakis and Uacaris, edited by Liza M. Veiga et al., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2013.

“Nothing else in all life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good.” 
— James Russell Miller

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