Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 10, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Lucian:

Lucian was born on October 23, 2003 in a research laboratory. He is a White-tufted Eared Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The first year and a half of his life was spent in a windowless room with no access to the outside world or green plants. In March 2004, Lucian, along with his parents and siblings came to Pacific Primate Sanctuary. Lucian was soon paired with Olivia, a young female who had been human reared after her mother passed away in childbirth. She had an unusual upbringing, and lacked some normal social skills she would have picked up had her mother survived. Over the years, Lucian and Olivia have formed a close bond and have raised their offspring together. Through this process, Olivia has learned normal marmoset behaviors and communication. Lucian has been given the opportunity to live as every monkey deserves- he spends hours in the sun, running and leaping through the branches and leaves in his home. He became a father, and helped to successfully raise his children. The pair has now been together for almost 6 years; they have formed a family and created natural social bonds.

Unfortunately, Lucian, along with all the other monkeys who arrived with him, has recurring intestinal troubles. Sanctuary Volunteers have spent many hours providing Lucian with special care each time he became lethargic and dehydrated, nursing him gently back to health. We have discovered which foods upset his stomach, and have altered his diet. Finally, last year, our Veterinarian found a medication to combat Lucian’s problem. This medication is wonderful and Lucian’s health has been great, however, he will have to be on it for the rest of his life. Lucian’s mate Olivia, has a heart condition, and is also on lifetime medication.

Your support can supply Lucian and his mate Olivia with these vital medications, as well as providing the materials for much-needed new soft sleeping houses!
Donate Now

NOTABLE NEWS

Sebastian examining yellow ginger

We are heading into winter, and beginning to see more rainy days. This rain has done wonders for the plants around the Sanctuary, and many delightful fruits are growing. The monkeys have been enjoying fresh strawberry guava, passion fruit and jackfruit, just to name a few. Papayas were donated by Down to Earth last month and Gaia and Galatea (twin Saddleback Tamarins) were particularly fond of the fruit, contentedly eating side by side.
Some delicious flowers are also in bloom, including yellow ginger and hibiscus.
The Capuchins were excited when we planted new trees in their enclosures, including Fig trees and Hibiscus bushes. The figs aren’t growing yet, but they were able to suck the sweet nectar from the hibiscus flowers. The Spider Monkeys have been most enthusiastic about the fresh greens they have been given from the garden, including Ibica (a tropical leafy vegetable), kale and Swiss chard!

THE ENCLOSURES IN THE NEW EXTENSION ARE COMPLETE!
We have begun the process of moving the monkeys into their new outdoor homes. Bruno, whose mate recently passed away, was moved into his outdoor enclosure, and has been exploring all of the greenery. Leonardo and Dyna were also moved into the new extension, and are thoroughly enjoying their new space.

Leonardo and Dyna in their new outdoor enclosure

Pacey enjoys his Birthday
 in his new home

We will be celebrating several birthdays this upcoming month! Pacey, a White Tufted-eared Marmoset just turned 6 on September 29th. Lucas, another White Tufted-eared Marmoset will also be turning 6 on October 14th.  Lucian and Olivia will both be having birthdays this month- just one day apart! Lucian turns 7 on October 23, and his mate Olivia will be turning 9 on October 24th.

Please join us in wishing our primate friends a very Happy Birthday!

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Little Bea, a White Tufted-eared Marmoset, sits near a Red Ginger in her portable. She and her housemate Oona will soon be moved to an outdoor enclosure in the new PPS Extension!

Prospero, a Capuchin monkey, examines his fur after grooming with an Etrog, a citron fruit. This grooming behavior is thought to help keep insects away. To see this in action, please watch our video,

“Prospero Enjoys an Etrog” on YouTube

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 9, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Update on Macaco:

Macaco was born in the wild, but was captured as a baby, taken from his mother— a victim of the pet trade. He was locked up in a small wire cage and put up for sale in a marketplace. Macaco spent the next 9 years living as a pet in Los Angeles with a boy who gave him a home. Eventually, his owner realized that living as a pet was not the best life possible for a monkey. He said: “I decided to send him to Pacific Primate Sanctuary because I love him, and I know he needs to be at the Sanctuary where he can become a monkey.” He made the difficult decision to send Macaco to the Sanctuary because he cared deeply for him, and he knew that Macaco deserved the chance to live with others of his own kind.

Macaco Living in the Green World

Macaco had not seen another monkey since he was a tiny infant. When he arrived at PPS, the monkeys all greeted him, but he was unable to respond to them, and had difficulties moving on the branches in his new home. Over the past year, he has really enjoyed observing the other monkeys and has learned to communicate with them. We have heard him make a growing number of vocalizations. Macaco was recently moved into an outdoor enclosure in the new extension. He is now able to feel the wind in his fur and the sun on his back. Macaco has been contentedly running along the branches and hiding in the foliage of his new home.



"Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals, ‘love’ them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal lives, love them more." — Edwin Way Teale, "April 28," Circle of the Seasons (1953)

NOTABLE NEWS

This month we grieve the passing of our beloved Brenda,

a White-tufted Eared Marmoset.

Brenda arrived at Pacific Primate Sanctuary in 1995. She came from a research laboratory when she was just 3 months old along with her brother Brandon. They were sent to PPS at this very young age, without their parents. Normally a marmoset family cares for the offspring until they are sexually mature, from 18-20 months old. These two were like little orphans when they were given refuge here.

Brenda was 2 years old when Bruno arrived from another research facility and the two were paired. Bruno has difficulty sharing his enclosure and food with his new companion but, over time, he learned to be her partner. Brenda spent the next 13 years with Bruno, the two spent countless hours exploring their greenroom together, grooming each other, and soaking up the warmth of the sun. When she had to be taken to the infirmary, Bruno made distress calls.

Brenda passed away on the morning of August 17, 2010. She was with Bruno and had four caregivers close by. Over the last 15 years many caregivers have known and cared for Brenda. She had a gentle disposition, and an inquisitive nature. Her presence at Pacific Primate Sanctuary will be missed, but her spirit lives on in all of our hearts.

Eudora is a Cotton Top Tamarin, who was born at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. She is the daughter of Adam and Nadine. A little over a year ago, Eudora went to a facility on the Big Island to be a companion to a lone male Cotton Top Tamarin. Unfortunately, her mate recently passed away, and so Eudora has come back to PPS. She is now in the extension next to her sister Persephone. We are hoping to pair the two in the near future.

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Sylvan, a White-tufted Eared Marmoset enjoys the sunshine in his new outdoor enclosure!

The small body size and claw-like nails of Marmoset monkeys allow them to cling vertically to trees. Sebastian uses this vantage point to scan for insects.

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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 8, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Brenda:

At nearly 16 years old, Brenda is one of the oldest marmosets currently living at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. She is a White-tufted Eared Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) who was born on December 9, 1994 at a research laboratory. Fortunately, she came to live at Pacific Primate Sanctuary at the young age of 3 ½ months old.

Two years later, in 1997, Bruno was given refuge at the Sanctuary from another research laboratory. The two were paired, but Bruno must have been housed alone in the laboratory since he had difficulty being with another monkey initially. With patience and a little behavioral conditioning from the caregivers, Bruno soon learned to share his food and accept his new companion. These two have been happily paired ever since. They have spent many years exploring their outdoor environment, and have often been seen enjoying the sunshine together.

Recently, Brenda has begun to slow down, and she and Bruno have been moved into an enclosure in our infirmary for specialized care. Here, she is receiving extra food and warmth, along with individual attention from the healing hands of PPS Volunteers.

NOTABLE NEWS

Persephone Explores her Green World

It has been a very exciting month here at Pacific Primate Sanctuary. We have welcomed two Interns, and the monkeys are getting to know their new full time caregivers. Seven monkeys who were living indoors have now been moved into outdoor enclosures with the completion of the PPS Extension! Macaco, Persephone, Indiana, Nico, Sylvan, Armando and Pacey are thoroughly enjoying their new outdoor habitats. Armando, a Cotton-Top Tamarin, was most excited with the plants in and has been chewing and jumping on the fronds of his palm tree. Pacey, a White-tufted Eared Marmoset, once lived in a house as a pet, and can now be seen exploring his new enclosure, feeling the wind in his fur.

Sylvan in his New Outdoor Enclosure

Macaco, another ex-pet, has been discovering the delights of living in the green world! We have already seen an increase in his appetite, and many caregivers have noticed that he seems to be calmer as well. Nico and Indiana have been successfully paired in the new Extension! These two seem to be getting along wonderfully, and are exploring their new home together. We have seen many grooming sessions in the sunshine already, and look forward to many more. Sylvan, who spent the first two years of his life in dark, cramped quarters at a pet shop, has been stretching his legs as he jumps around his new home.Persephone, who has been living indoors for the last year since leaving her family group, seems very excited to be back out of doors. It has been wonderful to watch each monkey examine his or her new surroundings and bask in the sunlight.

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Miracle, a Capuchin Monkey, enjoys a quiet afternoon in her outdoor enclosure

Guido, a Black-tufted Eared Marmoset takes advantage of a branch in his enclosure to get a nice stretch.

Young Viola works diligently to extract the sweet juices from a piece of sugarcane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Little Bea

Little Bea is a White-tufted Eared Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). She was born at Pacific Primate Sanctuary in August 2005, to Blanche and Ernesto. Little Bea’s mother, Blanche came from a research laboratory.

Blanche began to give birth during the day, which was unusual, as the marmosets typically have their babies at night. Over the rest of the day and evening Sanctuary volunteers watched as Blanche delivered her babies. Ernesto, the new father, nervously inspected his young. Hidden in the nest box were the two babies, Little Bea and Emilio, and as Ernesto peered in to investigate, he was suddenly latched on to by one of the babies. Instantly stunned and surprised, Ernesto then became the clinging post of two very new marmosets. Sadly, Blanche, passed away shortly after giving birth, leaving Little Bea without a mother. Ernesto quickly became “Super Dad” caring for Little Bea and her brother with the utmost attention. Sanctuary volunteers lent him a helping hand, providing the infants with the nourishment they needed.

Little Bea is now an adult, and has found a wonderful friend in Oona, another White-tufted Eared Marmoset. The two are currently living indoors, but will be moved into an outdoor enclosure as soon as the new Extension is complete!

NOTABLE NEWS

Xylophone enjoys the summer sun

Summer is officially here, and the rainy days are few and far between. The monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary have been taking advantage of their outdoor enclosures to soak up the sunshine, and feel the gentle breeze on their fur. The beautiful weather has provided them with many opportunities for grooming in the sunlight, a favorite activity of many families! Fern and Xylophone, a pair of Cotton Top Tamarins given refuge last year from a college research laboratory, have particularly been enjoying their first summer out of doors. The warm weather has also been wonderful for Juas, an elderly Cotton Top Tamarin with poor mobility. His energy has increased, and he has been climbing on the mesh and branches with much greater agility this past month!


The Volunteers have been very creative in providing enrichment for the monkeys this month. Deidre and Daisy, a pair of Black-tufted Eared Marmosets, enjoyed foraging for treats that had been scattered throughout their enclosure. On another day, various feeders were stuffed leaves, and then treats were tucked inside. All the monkeys enjoyed digging through the feeders to find the goodies within.

Feeders filled with leaves                  Olivia, Lucian and Bianca foraging for treats

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Jason and Ira, a pair of Cotton Top Tamarin brothers, peer out from their soft sleeping house.

A White-Tufted Eared Marmoset hangs from a branch investigating an enrichment feeder in which special treats have been hidden in the leaves.

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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 6, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Meet Jason and Ira

Jason and Ira, a pair of twin Cotton Top Tamarins, are the youngest residents at
Pacific Primate Sanctuary. They were born on January 1, 2009 to parents Adam and
Nadine.

Jason and Ira today

From a very young age, we could see these two boys would have very different personalities! Jason was bold, the first to try solid foods, and very inquisitive about everything. Ira on the other hand was the shy, quiet brother. He preferred to stay back, and observe from afar, and would often stick near mom, taking her food rather than going to the bowls on his own. Today, the two brothers continue to have different personalities, although Ira is not quite as shy as before!

Jason and Ira as infants

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, 20,000-30,000 Cotton Top Tamarins were taken from their native habitats, and exported to the United States for biomedical research. This Species is now critically endangered, with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild. When a species is this threatened, each new birth is a miracle. Jason and Ira are symbols of hope for the future of Cotton Top Tamarins.

NOTABLE NEWS

Ezra enjoying a new branch

Summer is on its way, and the weather has been beautiful! The monkeys are using the sunny days to take advantage of their outdoor enclosures. Deidre and Daisy, two Black-tufted Eared Marmosets, have been enjoying the fresh hibiscus flowers growing in their enclosure. One family of White-tufted Eared Marmosets spent a warm morning sprawled out along a single branch basking in the suns rays. Artemis and Ezra, a pair of Cotton Top Tamarins spent a great deal of time running back and forth, exploring the fresh new branches in their enclosure.


We have been using new forms of enrichment this month, and the monkeys have been
very interested! Sylvan, a White-tufted Eared Marmoset, really enjoyed
exploring fresh herbs during a scent enrichment. He was given several different types
of fresh herbs; he really liked the Marjoram, repeatedly sniffing it, and rubbing it on
himself. He was not so fond of the oregano. We also played a CD with a variety of
sounds from the Amazon Rainforest. All of the monkeys perked up, and were very
curious.

The rehabilitation process continues to progress well for many of our resident
monkeys. Fern and Xylophone, a pair of Cotton Top Tamarins, who came the
Sanctuary from a University Laboratory last year, are doing wonderfully. Their coats
are thick and lush, and they have gained weight. After having spent many years on a
very limited diet, they had been quite reluctant to try new foods. However, they are
finally starting to show an interest in sampling the fresh tropical fruits that are
provided, and discovered that they really like fresh papaya! Macaco, an ex-pet, is
showing more and more interest in the other monkeys. This month he spent quite a
bit of time sitting calmly and watching a neighboring couple, Millie and Ernesto.

Carlos selects a grape from his food bowl 

Carlos and Montana, our newest residents, have settled in comfortably and are really enjoying the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at mealtimes. They indicate their excitement with many “whinnies” of pleasure! They are getting to know the wonderful volunteers that will be caring for them, as we slowly introduce them to each caretaker.

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Cordelia, a Black-tufted Eared Marmoset, rests comfortably on a branch in the sunshine. Her father, Tank, spent most of his life in a
research laboratory. Florence, her mother, was confiscated from smugglers, and sent to PPS by a federal agency.










Allegra peers out from the hammock in her
outdoor enclosure.












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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 4, Part 1

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Carlos and Montana

Carlos and Montana surveying 

heir new surroundings

Pacific Primate Sanctuary welcomed two new residents last month. Carlos and Montana are Black Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) These two brothers have a very close bond, and spend much of their time sitting together, often wrapping their arms (and tails!) around each other.

After the Capuchin monkeys moved to the new PPS facility in 2000, we left the 2 round enclosures standing. Lucy was holding the space open for Carlos and Montana to come here. It has been a long road for the two brothers: born at the Honolulu Zoo, then transferred to the now defunct Maui Zoo, then moved to the tourist attraction where they were on public display, next door to the restaurant, for 16 long years.                                  

Carlos has a home at PPS

PPS Volunteers spent time working with Carlos and Montana to habituate them with a traveling crate. They were soon comfortable entering the crate, which made the transition smooth and less stressful for the two Spider Monkeys.

We held their hands and sang to them in their travelling crate and they closed their tired eyes.  They were safely transferred to Pacific Primate Sanctuary on Sunday March 7, 2010.

PPS welcomes Montana

The two boys were unsure of their new environment at first, but have now settled comfortably into their new home. They really seem to enjoy the many branches and ropes in their enclosure. They have been swinging with great agility from branch to rope— back and forth across their new habitat. They are temporarily living in the round enclosure at Lucy and Steven’s until we can create a larger enclosure for them up at the Sanctuary.

We are designing a 40-foot long enclosure where they will eventually be able to brachiate, moving hand over hand through the greenery, for the first time.
We are very excited to welcome them to Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Now they can finally live in a place of peace and loving-kindness.

NOTABLE NEWS

Fern and Xylophone warm under

their heat lamp

This last month has been rather windy and rainy, but the monkeys have been staying warm under their heat lamps! The marmosets and tamarins have been huddled together, basking in the warmth, on top of their soft sleeping houses on many mornings. The sunny days are greatly appreciated as well. A family of Cotton Top Tamarins, (Adam, Nadine, Jason and Ira) have been grooming out in the sun while hanging upside down from their mesh ceiling. Prospero and Miracle, two Capuchin Monkeys, were seen quietly grooming in the sun as well. Martine and Simon have been using the sunny days for bug hunting. One day they suspended themselves on the lowest ginger branches, leaning forward and searching for bugs from this great perch.

Happily, we were able to pair two lone monkeys this month! Leonardo had been living with his brother Sebastian until last month, when we realized that these two boys were ready for female companions. Sebastian was paired with Allegra last month, and the two really seem to be enjoying one another’s company. Leonardo has now moved in with Allegra’s sister Dyna. The pair is getting along wonderfully so far! We have seen them grooming each other, and spending lots of time together outdoors.

PPS Volunteer, Jessica, gathering 

fresh flowers for the monkeys

The volunteers have been giving the monkeys some great enrichment this month. Each week fresh Ti and palm leaves, and fresh flowers are provided for the monkeys currently living in portables. Armando, a Cotton Top Tamarin, really likes getting his weekly browse and loves to shred it all apart! The monkeys were especially thrilled when they received special Ti leaf packages. We take Ti leaves, and stuff treats in the middle, then roll them up like a present. A second Ti leaf is then wrapped around the first, like wrapping paper. The monkeys have to unwrap their presents to get to the delicious snack inside.






MEET MORE MONKEYS

Gaia, a Saddleback Tamarin, examines a yellow ginger flower. This flower has a sweet nectar-filled tube in the center. The monkeys love to eat this special treat.

Deidre, a Black-tufted Ear Marmoset, clings to a branch in her outdoor enclosure.


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

Primate Update E-Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part 1

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter.

PPS PRIMATES in the SPOTLIGHT

Viola was born on March 10, 2008 and, unfortunately, was rejected by her parents. She was found the next morning, lying on the ground, cold and barely breathing. She hardly had the energy to cry. Had Sanctuary interns, Erin and Tez, not responded in the pre-dawn hours, Viola would not have survived. Her life was hanging by a thread. We contacted other facilities to get advice on hand-rearing Capuchin infants, and were told by many that it was nearly impossible. However, we weren’t going to give up on this little life so easily.

Viola, Day One

The first few weeks were a critical period for baby Viola. Sanctuary interns worked around the clock to care for her, waking several times each night to provide food and comfort. In her role as primary caregiver, Intern Erin found that opening her heart fully to this amazing being was vital to the infant’s survival.



Viola grew rapidly during her first several months. She became more alert, and examined her surroundings. Soon she was climbing, exploring her environment, and eating solid food. The Interns began to wean Viola off of bottle-feeding. She was brought up near the other Capuchins regularly, to become familiar and learn normal behaviors and communication. These were both important steps in bringing Viola closer to independence.

Viola at 5 months old

Finally, after five months of constant care, it was time for the baby to return to her own kind. We planned to introduce Viola to Miranda, her Grandmother, in the hopes that she would be accepted and cared for in the best possible way- by another Capuchin Monkey.

Eventually, Viola was released into the large enclosure with Miranda. It was a beautiful sight; Miranda was so protective and caring. In a short time, the adventurous youngster was running and playing in her new environment. She bonded with Miranda. We were excited to see this human reared monkey climb onto her Grandmother’s back, and hang on as Miranda carried her from branch to branch.

Viola carried by her Grandmother Miranda

Viola turned 2 on March 10, 2010, and we celebrated by giving the Capuchins banana cake, and special “presents” filled with peanut butter, banana, and raisins. All four Capuchins were very excited with this extra special treat. Viola has now been living with Miranda for a year and a half, and continues to be an adventurous young monkey. She spends hours jumping around in the greenery and swinging from branches and ropes. She and Miranda have formed a close bond, and enjoy grooming each other and playing together.

Viola's Birthday Surprise




Viola has learned much from Miranda about Capuchin behaviors, and she responds to things just the same as the other Capuchin Monkeys. We are so happy to have successfully raised Viola, and even more importantly, we are thrilled that she will live out her life as a monkey, just as she deserves!



Two year old Viola, peering through the trees






NOTABLE NEWS

This has certainly been a busy and exciting month at Pacific Primate Sanctuary! Construction has begun on the new extension, and many of the monkeys have been very inquisitive about the process.

A local tourist attraction approached us about taking Carlos and Montana, two Black-Handed Spider Monkeys who had been living there for the past 16 years. The PPS Board has approved building and providing a permanent home to these brothers. We are very fortunate to have two Volunteers with experience working with Spider Monkeys. Morgan S. spent several years working as zookeeper in Florida, and cared for a colony of Spider Monkeys there. Dana, our newest Intern, volunteered at the Denver Zoo prior to coming to PPS and was able to work with the Spider Monkeys.

We are glad that Morgan S. and Dana can share their experience and knowledge with us at this time. Hooray for synchronicity! Erin spent time working with Carlos and Montana to habituate them with a traveling crate. They were soon comfortable entering the crate, which made the transition smooth and less stressful for the two Spider Monkeys. They were safely transferred to Pacific Primate Sanctuary on Sunday March 7, 2010. The two boys were unsure at first, but seem to have settled in comfortably to their new home. They really seem to enjoy the many branches and ropes in their new enclosure. They have been swinging with great agility from branch to rope back and forth across their new habitat. They have a very close bond, and spend much of their time huddled together, often wrapping their arms around each other. We are very excited to welcome them to Pacific Primate Sanctuary!


Pacey, an ex-pet, has been showing some interest in Vida, a nearby female, this month. Vida has also been spending a lot of time watching Pacey. This is very exciting news, as Pacey has shown very little interest in other monkeys before, and has usually been more engrossed with watching his human caretakers. We will continue to keep Pacey and Vida close together, and hopefully we will be able to pair the two!

Pacey enjoys a hibiscus flower

Allegra and Sebastian were successfully paired this month. Sebastian was living with his twin brother, Leonardo, but began showing a lot of interest in surrounding females. We decided it was time for these brothers to have female companions. Allegra was living alone, and seemed like the perfect candidate. Sure enough, we put these two together and they connected instantly! The two are spending much time grooming each other and enjoy exploring their outdoor green room together. We are working towards pairing Leonardo as well, and have a female outside his enclosure and are watching them for signs of positive interest.

The Capuchins have also been doing very well! Miranda has really enjoyed playing with Viola, even hanging from her tail and play wrestling with her young companion.

MEET MORE MONKEYS

Bruno, an elderly White-Tufted Eared Marmoset is tucked warmly into the blankets in his sleeping house.

Prospero, a Capuchin Monkey, enjoys a quiet nap in the sun

This Blog and its content is copyright of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.—© Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved.

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