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 Bekoff, Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect



We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 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

Primate Update 1/14

Share your love with the monkeys at PPS this Valentine’s Day!

Malama Ola the Monkeys

Caring for the Health and Wellbeing of the Monkeys

Providing appropriate medical care is vital to the wellbeing of the monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  As the primate population ages, individuals experience additional, chronic health problems. About 1/5^th of the animals at PPS, currently require regular veterinary care, medications, and supplements to ensure their specific health concerns are being addressed. We also must customize their living environments to accommodate mobility issues and to provide them with extra warmth and protection.

Echo, an 18-year-old cotton top tamarin, is the oldest tamarin living at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  Echo was born in a research laboratory, but thankfully, she came to the Sanctuary where she could recover from the traumas she suffered.  Her advanced age has taken a toll on her health, and she is currently on many different medications and supplements.
Intern Shani recently created a description of animals with geriatric and/or chronic health problems, along with their current treatment plans for the staff.  Following is an explanation of Echo’s specialized care:  She has neurological problems that cause visible tremors throughout her body. She is on Acetyl-L -Carnitine and Methyl B 12 to counter act these- they coat the nerves and help with better nerve transmission. Echo also has arthritis, which makes it difficult and painful for her to walk. To help with this she is on fish oil and Metacam to help with the pain. She is on Pepcid to help protect her gastrointestinal tract from irritants. Additionally, Echo has a condition called colitis that causes her to have loose and bloody stool. She is on Tylan and Slippery Elm to help keep her stool firm. Echo is also given Sam-e and Milk Thistle, which serve to protect her liver. 

 Echo’s mobility is extremely poor due to the arthritis and tremors. She lives in a specially designed double portable, with ramps, walkways and protective walls to prevent her from falling. She loves to spend time on the upper shelf in her portable, and watches all the happenings in the corridor from this vantage point. She has a difficult time maintaining her body heat, so she is brought into the warm infirmary overnight and always has access to a heat lamp.

Your support helps to keep Echo and the other monkeys warm, comfortable, and pain free! 

The increased expenditures related to our geriatric monkeys have put an enormous strain on our limited budget.

Please help us provide veterinary care, medications, high calorie foods, warm bedding, and heat lamps for the aging monkeys who require specialized care.  

 

OTHER 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/

GoodOffers currently has many wonderful offers for Valentine’s Day!  Find the perfect gift for your loved ones, and support PPS at the same time! http://www.goodsearch.com/goodoffers
 
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.
 

 

PPS INTERNSHIP

Interns at the Sanctuary

The resident Internship program at Pacific Primate Sanctuary began in 2004. We have had 30 Interns over the past 9 years and the training curriculum has deepened and expanded over time.  This mutually beneficial program has provided a unique and valuable learning experience for the Interns and advanced their career goals, and has allowed us to staff the facility and provide a high level of care to the fragile animals here
 
Over the past year, we have been privileged to work with some truly remarkable Interns! Edie, Rachel, Shani and Katie each came to PPS from varied and unique backgrounds, including research, veterinary clinics, rescue organizations, and zoos.

They have contributed their insights, expertise, have done independent research, and created new procedures and protocol for the PPS Manuals. For example, Intern Rachel provided a document describing the specific vocalizations of species at the Sanctuary, allowing us to have a better understanding of the monkeys’ communication and providing the Staff with a vocabulary to describe our observations.

PPS Interns also contributed Operant Conditioning techniques, which have become a part of our care protocol. We have been syringe training the monkeys, making it easier to medicate them without distress. We also used operant conditioning to weigh individuals who used to be afraid of the scale! The cleaning and disinfecting protocols at the Sanctuary have also been improved over the last year, thanks to the research done by our Resident Interns.  We are so grateful to the Interns who have volunteered their time, energy and skills to Pacific Primate Sanctuary; their dedication allows us to keep our good work going!

The Internship program would not be possible without the support of compassionate donors.  Funding for this essential program is needed in order to provide housing, utilities, and supplies for our Resident Interns for 2014.  To support Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Internship Program, please donate now: http://pacificprimate.org/help.htm
 

Welcome to our New Intern, Madeline

Madeline arrived on January 12, 2014 to begin her one-year Resident Internship!   Madeline has spent over two years working with primates as a caregiver and enrichment technician at a research laboratory, where she learned to provide food, enrichment, medications and emergency care.  She also spent time working at wildlife rehabilitation center in Minnesota with a variety of small mammals.  We are very happy to have her here at PPS!

Farewell Intern Rachel
Rachel completed her one-year Resident Internship at PPS on January 5^th, and is now at the Shedd Aquarium as a marine animal intern.  Rachel’s positive, warm and caring approach made it a joy to work with her over the past year. We are so grateful for the valuable contributions and selfless service that Rachel has donated to Pacific Primate Sanctuary. She will be greatly missed.

Rachel’s Farewell:

Looking back on the year here on Maui, it seems to have gone by so quickly. But it has been remarkable how that short time has profoundly shaped my life and consciousness. I am incredibly grateful to the 56 monkeys who have touched my life through this experience, and though it is now over, I will never stop smiling because it happened. 
These special monkeys have each reached out and grabbed my heart with their individuality, personality, and story. Each and every one will often be in my thoughts. There is nothing equal to seeing tamarin faces peering at you from sleeping cubes during last checks, or marmosets twittering their happiness at having a favorite treat.  I feel privileged to have been in all of their lives. The amount of memorable, unforgettable moments is astounding…

For those future interns, you will have to opportunity here to care for some of the most amazing animals on the planet who will make you smile and be grateful to be here… 
And you will leave being a better citizen of the world!
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Rachel
A Discussion of Colitis
     
Callitrichids are especially prone to developing colitis and other bowel diseases. Colitis refers to an inflammation of the colon and rectum. There are many types of colitis that are usually classified by the cause, or etiology, of the inflammation though this often is hard to determine. The broadest characterization is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD. Ulcerative colitis is a kind of IBD that affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is a chronic disease in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops ulcers that can produce pus and mucous. The combination of inflammation and ulceration can cause abdominal discomfort and frequent emptying of the colon along with weight loss and loose stool.
        
Ulcerative colitis is the result of an autoimmune disease in which the body has an abnormal immune response and attacks elements of the digestive system. Normally, the cells and proteins that make up the immune system protect the body from infection. With IBD however the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign substances. When this happens, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation and ulcerations.
       
Treatments for ulcerative colitis have two main goals: achieving and then maintaining remission. Treatment is therefore aimed at controlling ongoing inflammation. Antibiotics are frequently used, even though no specific infections have been indentified as the cause of the symptoms. Antibiotics can help to control the symptoms by reducing intestinal bacteria and by suppressing the intestine’s immune system. Antibiotics can be used as long-term therapies as long as the medications remain effective. Clinical trials have not shown that antibiotics are particularly effective in treating severe ulcerative colitis, according to CCFA.

At PPS, Tylan is the most common antibiotic used to treat colitis for the long-term. Metronidazole and Ciprofloxacin are also used and both are broad-spectrum antibiotics that, by definition, fight a wide range of bacteria. Metronidazole is the most extensively studied antibiotic in IBD. As a primary therapy for active Crohn's disease (which affects the entire GI tract), Metronidazole has been shown to be equal to Sulfasalazine especially when the illness affects the colon, as in colitis. Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, can also be used to suppress the immune system and can be used to treat moderate to severe colitis. These drugs do not target specific parts of the immune system but suppress the entire immune response and shouldn’t be used as maintenance due to possibly significant short and long-term side effects. Immunomodulators can also be used in cases where corticosteroids are the only medications that have been effective.
In Cotton top tamarins, the development of colitis is most often a precursor to colon cancer, which 35% of captive Cotton top Tamarins develop (Clapp & Henke, 1993). The only way to make an irrevocable diagnosis of colitis, is through biopsy and colonoscopy of the intestinal tissue. Colitis is often associated with Marmoset Wasting Syndrome. Marmoset Wasting is clinically characterized by rapid and persistent weight loss with muscle atrophy (decrease of muscle mass). Anemia (low red blood cell count) and hypoproteinemia (low protein levels in the blood) with associated edema commonly occur (Richter, 1984). Alopecia (hair loss) is often observed, especially on the tail. Weakness or paralysis of the hind legs, intermittent diarrhea and a wet or greasy appearance to the fur may be seen (Potkay, 1992). Sporadic cases of Marmoset Wasting in colonies are likely the result of colitis or chronic metabolic illness. There is still much to learn about colitis and, as it affects many of the monkeys here at PPS, frequent investigation of new publications and research is important.

-Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA): http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/antibiotics.pdf
-Clapp, N.K., Ed., A PRIMATE MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF COLITIS AND COLONIC CANCER-THE COTTON-TOP TAMARIN (SAGUINUS OEDIPUS). U.S.A., CRC Press, 1993.
-Richter, C.B. Biology and diseases of Callitrichidae. In: LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE. J.G. Fox; B.J. Cohen; F.M. Loew, ed. Florida, Academic Press, 1984.
-Potkay, S. Diseases of the Callitrichidae: A review. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY 21:189-236,1992.
 

 

Special Topic: Intern Katie
Ch.9: Social interaction, social relationships and the social system of spider monkeys. From Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles. Ed. By Christina J. Campbell

Wild spider monkeys (Ateles) live in highly fluid and varied groups consisting of multiple members of either sex (though daily activity is often sex-segregated).  They exhibit a fission-fusion social dynamic, meaning group size and structure may change freely depending on social and environmental pressures (e.g. food availability). Within each community, individuals form smaller subgroups with which to forage, travel, and defend their territory against neighboring groups. This behavior is adaptive for the highly frugivorous Ateles, who specialize in large ripe fruit, to cope with spatially and temporally patchy food sources. Many species with similar diets experience a high degree of intergroup competition and unidirectional aggression and dominance hierarchies, as access to ripe fruit is highly limited and may be monopolized by the most assertive individuals. However, practicing fission-fusion allows Ateles to avoid such sources of stress. By traveling in large groups in times of abundance and breaking into smaller groups when fruit is scarce, spider monkeys economize time and energy costs and minimize competition, thereby reducing tension and maintaining social cohesion.  This strategy is risky for species vulnerable to predation, as fission-fusion minimizes the protection provided by large groups. However, as relatively large, arboreal primates, spider monkeys face minimal predation risk and are able to adjust their behavior primarily in terms of food availability.

Social behavior varies significantly between female and male spider monkeys. Females typically leave their natal groups upon reaching sexual maturity to join new groups, partly in order to gain access to unrelated potential mates. It follows that females experience less substantial social bonds with group members as adults; they do not share the long histories and kinship ties that males develop after remaining in the communities in which they were born. Wild females are less likely to participate in common Ateles affiliative behaviors, such as grooming, embracing, and pectoral sniffing.  (Pectoral sniffing is a sign of affection that may serve to resolve conflict, alleviate tension after new members join a group, or as a gesture between individuals who reunite after being separated.
       
Although captive females exhibit more of these habits than their wild counterparts, it is most likely in either environment that females do so toward their young offspring. Unlike males, who associate quite closely with one another as adults, females’ strongest bonds are often with their young. They occasionally groom other adults, most often males. Wild females commonly travel alone or only with their offspring, especially in times of ripe fruit scarcity. When foraging in a subgroup, females generally do so in smaller groups than those of males, as carrying infants necessitates slower movement and higher energy costs. Larger groups must travel more rapidly in order to visit enough food sources to accommodate all individuals. (Ateles typically travel as quickly as possible between fruit trees rather than feeding continuously on found fruit during casual travel.) In this context, spider monkeys’ practice of fission-fusion also allows for more flexibility in meeting the differing needs of either sex and to their reproductive success.

Males, conversely, utilize the long-term relationships gained through philopatry (i.e. remaining in one’s natal group after reaching adulthood) for various cooperative and competitive ends. In fact, male-male bonds represent the strongest social relationship following that between mothers and their young. Males tend to occupy larger day-ranges and to travel in larger groups. The group as a whole benefits from larger male subgroups and cooperative bonds; rather than carrying for infants, males patrol and defend their population’s territory, and defend access to fertile females and food sources both within and between communities.  As the more socially expressive sex, males often exhibit friendly behaviors toward one another, and the tension alleviated via fluid group structure makes aggression uncommon. However, they engage in potentially lethal violence toward new male immigrants, making leaving one’s natal group extremely dangerous. Likewise, it is rare for adult males to be successfully integrated into new family groups in captive settings. Younger males may gain the tolerance of unfamiliar adults through a behavior called grappling, in which the submissive animal repeatedly approaches then retreats, each time rapidly embracing, tail-wrapping, face-touching, or manipulating the other’s genitals. However, fully mature males are rarely accepted into new communities in captivity or the wild.

Male and female interactions may involve aggressive chasing (as is common when females are menstruating, possibly as a form of sexual coercion or posturing), and are most likely to groom one another in times of fruit abundance. As a species exhibiting little sexual dimorphism, individual spider monkeys rarely monopolize access to mates; both sexes are granted multiple potential mates within their group. While males typically prefer the company of one another, little evidence suggests that females prefer the company of either sex in terms of friendly social interactions. In adulthood, the strongest male-female bonds are expressed by mothers and their adult sons.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s two spider monkeys, Carlos and Montana, indeed exhibit the close-knit, expressive male-male bond typical of their species. Though Montana is the more dominant individual and leads Carlos, the pair frequently feed together, embrace, and seldom engage in any aggressive gestures toward one another.
 

 

 

 

“As custodians of the planet it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love and compassion.  That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding.  Please help us stop this madness.”  — Richard Gere         





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.

Primate Update 12-13

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

As 2013 draws to a close, we look back with joy and satisfaction at the many wonderful things we were able to accomplish over the past year.  With the help of our generous supporters, the monkeys have been able to live in peace and safety, free from exploitation, in green environments that allow them to express their natural behaviors.      

We send our deepest appreciation to the PPS supporters who donated to the Sanctuary’s Malama ‘Ola the Monkeys fund! This Grant provides for the well being of the 55 threatened and endangered animals at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, by ensuring that they receive proper nutrition and medical care. The Sanctuary population is aging, and each year we see a higher incidence of animals needing veterinary care, medications, and special diets.  Thank you for helping us to continue to provide a high level of care to the at risk monkeys at PPS! Our deep gratitude to the Keatings, the Bendons and LUSH Cosmetics for supporting the care, the health, and the lives of the monkeys


Over the last year, we have had the privilege of working with many extraordinary and dedicated Interns. The mutually beneficial PPS Resident Internship Program provides a unique and valuable learning experience for the Interns, and allows us to continue to provide quality care to the fragile animals here.  We are so grateful to Joani, who donated funding for this vital program. With her help, the PPS Interns and our COO can continue their meaningful service at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, as stewards of our precious planet and the caregivers of the beings we share it with.
                       
We have also been able to make housing improvements for the monkeys this year. The marmosets and tamarins were given new sleeping cubes, which were custom designed using thick, canvas and hidden seams.  We also installed rain gutters on the Sanctuary Extension.  The new sleeping cubes and rain gutters have allowed all the monkeys to stay warm and dry, protected from the heavy winds and rains.  We constructed and ins

talled many new jungle walkways, so that our elderly population can continue to live in outdoor enclosures, without a risk of falling or slipping.  Spider Monkeys, Carlos and Montana, who spent 15 years in a tourist attraction, received new branches and fire hose “vines” throughout their 40 foot long enclosure. The Spider Monkeys and the Capuchin monkeys also got brand new hammocks, and enjoy spending time resting in them. Thank you for helping us provide for the monkeys in 2013.
    

The precious partnership of all our supporters
makes what we do possible.

Important PPS Projects Planned for 2014

The Sanctuary is in need of funds to expand the Capuchin enclosures, so that Miracle and Prospero will have twice as much living space to explore.

Additionally, we find that we must create visual barriers throughout the Corridor and Extension buildings, so the monkeys can live in harmony, without any distress from neighboring individuals. Your donations will allow us to purchase the supplies necessary to proceed with these vital projects.

Please contribute what you can.
Donate now at:
http://www.pacificprimate.org/help-donate.htm

WAYS 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, compassion, 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 details: http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm


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!

GoodShop
Use GoodShop.com for all your online 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. PLEASE use GoodShop this holiday season!

GoodSearch offers many other ways to generate donations for Pacific Primate Sanctuary, including 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

“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood. But everyone has something to give.”   — Barbara Bush

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
- 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 contributions allow us to continue our life-saving work,
 and your partnership gives us the faith to carry-on.

MALAMA ‘AINA, MALAMA KANAKA

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

This year have a green holiday by utilizing these simple eco-friendly tips:

Buy Local- Purchase your holiday food items from local farmer’s markets, the food will taste fresher and you will reduce your carbon footprint by not purchasing items that have been shipped across the country.  Support local businesses by finding Christmas gifts locally.

Make or Reuse Decorations- Rather than purchasing all new decorations, spend time with your family making decorations!  Make a tradition of reusing family or vintage decorations.

Send E-cards or Recycled cards-This year, send E-Cards online and completely cut out the paper, while also saving money on stamps and cards.  You can also find beautiful recycled cards, and even cards that have seeds in the paper, which can be planted!

Better Gift Wrap- Use recycled wrapping paper, or find re-useable items to wrap with.  Re-useable shopping bags, decorative boxes, or scarves are all beautiful wrapping options.

This information was found on the following site, which has additional ideas:
https://power2switch.com/blog/15-go-green-this-holiday-season-simple-eco-friendly-holiday-tips/

PPS INTERNSHIP

Welcome to our New Intern, Katie
Katie arrived on November 7, 2013 to begin her year-long Resident Internship. She has a degree in Anthropology, and has taken courses in primate behavior.  Katie has experience working with traumatized dogs, cats and horses at an animal sanctuary, but this is her first time caring for primates.  The monkeys have taken to her gentle nature immediately. We are delighted to have Katie on Team PPS!

In her acceptance letter, Katie writes:
I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to accept a resident internship at PPS. I feel in my bones that I belong in a place where I can help soothe the wounds suffered at the feet of humans. Thank you for welcoming me there…

I am excited to learn the monkeys’ ways of knowing the world, to actively help rather than lament, and to more fully appreciate the power of compassion... I am so grateful for the chance to not only explore my interests but to live in a community that shares my values. In this special meeting place of ideals and ambition, of intellect and emotion, I am hopeful that I have something important to offer others. I am devoted to contribute all that I can to this cause….

Today marks a strange place in Natural History, where species once capable of the profound autonomy and freedom bestowed upon wild creatures now rely upon human beings for survival. With this tragic transition comes a tremendous responsibility. Perhaps, for those fortunate enough to access the secret worlds of other species, this modern juncture in human-animal relations represents a great privilege: to learn from other beings in preciously close proximity. I believe PPS offers such an opportunity, and for that I am endlessly grateful. Where we can live peacefully beside other creatures, and perhaps see our reflections in monkey faces, we can truly feel why humans should be proud to be animals.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Intern Katie: Special Topic
The social organization of marmosets: a critical evaluation of recent concepts

In the wild, marmoset and tamarin (callitrichid) groups are typically structured to support a single reproductively monogamous pair. This pair represents the dominant member of either sex and, though each may maintain sexual access to subordinate group members, they are generally the only two to successfully produce offspring. Duties involved in rearing young, specifically infant carrying, are shared with lower-ranking individuals. This allows non-breeding members to increase their inclusive reproductive fitness, as subordinate group members are typically the offspring of the dominant pair or otherwise closely related. When individuals do emigrate from their natal group, often as a result of aggression between siblings, they commonly establish new groups and home ranges near to that of their original families. It is also plausible for such individuals to join an existing group, though the likelihood of being accepted into a group of non-relatives is extremely small. Interactions between groups are rarely amicable, especially between unrelated members of the same sex. Therefore, callitrichids depend on their ability to recognize genetic relatives both to avoid incest and in navigating intergroup dynamics.

Family dynamics likewise play a crucial role in determining intragroup (within the group) social hierarchies. Alpha status is typically occupied by the group’s founders, or those who proved dominance through physical aggression as the group was formed. The second-ranking female tends to be the dominant female’s oldest daughter. Often, these females experience more regular ovulation and are less prone to unsuccessful pregnancies, difficulty lactating, and other reproductive challenges. Reproductive monogamy is also secured by mate-guarding in the dominant pair, who remain in relatively close spatial proximity to one another throughout long-lasting partnerships. Lower-ranking relatives and unrelated group members are socially marginalized, but participate in group protection as well as caring for infants. Interestingly, females may carry the offspring of two fathers at once, which increases the evolutionary advantage to sharing parental duties for subordinates.

Captive groups largely function similarly, with the notable exceptions of human participation in group formation and environmental factors. As in wild settings, the majority of social tension occurs between siblings, which can result in expulsion from the group. Expulsions of dominant or parent individuals are rare, and virtually never involve the support of the individual’s mate. Large captive groups comprised only of siblings have proved to be unstable, involving failure to establish a social hierarchy, and far more exhibitions of self-grooming than social grooming. Although cooperation, reciprocity, and altruistic participation in caring for young are core aspects of callitrichid social structure, and single pairs are practically never seen living without a group in the wild, lone pairs can function successfully in captive settings.

Many researchers postulate that the function of callitrichids’ unique social organization, is necessitated by the specific pressures of living in the wild. For instance, subordinate individuals expend energy supporting another’s offspring in order to secure their place in the group, and larger group sizes may serve to increase protection from predators. Similarly, because infant carrying reduces one’s ability to forage and travel quickly between food sources, sharing this duty presents an important means of propagating the species. This is especially true because callitrichids are almost always born as twins, and the body weight of infants makes up an unusually high proportion of adult body size. That being said, dominant pairs in the wild almost exclusively care for infants during the early stages of weaning, and mothers only accept help from the select few nearest to her in social rank. In captivity, where food is predictably provided and easily accessible, the need for group infant rearing or carrying diminishes greatly. Other theories suggest that group rearing is a form of social learning essential to successful infant care in subsequent generations. However, wild alpha females typically reject the participation of those without experience, and exhibit very high success rates in single pair families in captivity. Due to their favored social position enjoyed by the alpha pair, those who assist in rearing young in the wild may benefit by one day inheriting dominance. Once again, this advantage does not apply to captive settings, where groups are so largely determined by humans.

Ultimately, these findings support the success of single-pair family groups at PPS. This dynamic not only reduces the risk of eviction from the group tremendously, but also ensures less stress to the animals by reducing the likelihood of competition for rank, social peripheralization of subordinates by the alpha pair, and sibling tension. Because rejected group members cannot choose to abandon their group’s home range or establish a new group in captivity, this restricted group size also helps ensure that the monkeys at PPS continue to recognize their enclosures as their territory. 

-Rylands, A.B. Marmosets and Tamarins. Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1993.

 

Special Topic: Intern Rachel
Summary: Chapters 4 “Natural History, Time Course, and Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Colitis in Cotton-Top Tamarin” and Chapter 7 “Extraintestinal Manifestations of Cotton-Top Tamarin Colitis”
 
The cotton-top tamarin is a species that spontaneously develops colitis in many captive settings. In the particular study presented in this chapter, the spontaneous development of idiopathic ulcerative colitis was investigated. The 6-yr examination of forty 4- to 7-yr-old Cotton-top tamarins at 2 to 3 month intervals has shown that the spontaneous colitis observed resembles the human disease in its course, age dependence, varying periods of exacerbation and remission, and eventual susceptibility of the animal to colon cancer. Considerable animal-to-animal variation existed, as is seen in humans. Active colitis was superimposed upon chronic colitis and occurred either asymptomatically or symptomatically. Severity was measured based on the types and number of inflammatory cells present in the colon. While age had little effect on body weight and stool condition, the severity of the colitis (mild vs. severe) and the duration of the disease dramatically affected both body weight and stool condition. Spontaneous cotton Top Tamarin colitis closely mimics the pathogenesis (origin and development) of the human disease, thus management and treatment options are similar.  There is no cure for colitis, so treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms of the disease.

A feature of tamarin colitis, as well as human ulcerative colitis, is the occurrence of extraintestinal manifestations of the disease including ankylosing spondylitis and peripheral arthropathy (both are forms of chronic inflammation of the joints), iritis (inflammation of the iris of the eye), episcleritis (inflammation in the thin white coating of the eye) and liver diseases (fatty liver, mild periportal chronic inflammation). More rarely, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), hepatic abscesses, or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) are seen.

The cotton-top tamarin tends to develop a non-infective spontaneously occurring colitis, which closely resembles human ulcerative colitis. This chapter discusses a study that evaluated liver and joint disease in cotton top tamarins with colitis. Livers from 100 cotton-top tamarins with ulcerative colitis were examined histological at postmortem; 40 had varied pathology: steatosis-16 (fatty degeneration), hepatitis- 4 (inflammation), and abscess- 4. Four animals had excessive portal fibrosis in the absence of significant inflammation and which resembled sclerosing cholangitis (a disease of the bile ducts that causes inflammation and subsequent obstruction of bile ducts both inside the liver and outside the liver). The findings of sclerosing cholangitis-like liver abnormalities strengthen the role of the Cotton Top Tamarin as a unique animal model of ulcerative colitis.  The inflammation of the colon that defines colitis is managed several ways and with varying degrees of success in our tamarins and marmosets.  We have used dietary changes, medications and supplements to help alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease.

-Clapp, Neal K..“A Primate Model for the Study of Colitis and Colonic Carcinoma: The Cotton-Top Tamarin”

 

Special Topic: Intern Shani
Chapter Summary: Communication and the use of the Whinny in Spider Monkeys

Spider monkeys forage in fruit patches that are distributed over large areas. They may spend long amounts of time away from their groups, and because of this their need for communication is high.

Klein and Roosmalen (1987) state that female spider monkeys have an elongated clitoris to leave urine behind for scent communication. Spider monkeys also have sternal secretions, which they mix with saliva using their hands. The hand is then smelled by other individuals after separation from the group. Carlos and Montana often scent mark their hands, then offer the marked hand to us for us to smell! The also smell their hands after they have been touched.

 Long distance vocalizations may be the main way a spider monkey can locate group members and maintain their social relationships. Eisenberg (1976) distinguished 13 different vocalizations in a captive study. There are several different vocalizations, but only the whinny has been studied in detail. The most common vocalization is the 'bark', which is a defensive sound emitted when an intruder approaches. The next is the 'growl', which occurs in aroused males. The whinny is the next most common and occurs when an individual is separated from the group.

The whinny is a series of 2 + 2 rapid rises and falls in pitch about 100ms from peak to peak with a frequency moving from 1000-2300Hz and back again. The sound is achieved by laryngeal oscillation. The whinny is often reciprocated between individuals in neighboring subgroups and can be heard as far as 300m away. The average distance between individuals in the same group is less than 30m but between different subgroups is 170-320m. Therefore the whinny reaches all members of the group and subgroup. Frequency analysis of the whinny shows the recipient of the whinny located 300m from the caller receives much more information than if the recipient is closer. Masataka (1986) studied vocalizations and found they contained information about the caller’s identification. The calls could be differentiated by their acoustic features. Chapman and Weary (1990) found that the first, middle and end arches of the whinny vary considerably between individuals. They also noticed the calls of offspring resemble their mother.

In any primate community, communication performed will have multiple functions. This is because the various recipients will have different relationships with the caller. But what is the function of the whinny?  Chapman and Lefebvre (1990) found the whinny is to attract group members to a food source to decrease the predation. They also found high ranking individuals called lower ranking individuals and the frequency of calls increased if the food source was more abundant. Texidor and Byrne (1992) found that whinnys emitted when travelling provoked a more active response, for example the recipient would call back or travel to the caller.  Campbell (2008) believes that whinnys maintain contact between individuals in different subgroups. Another theory is that it enables monkeys to distinguish between members and non-group members.  There are many theories about the function of the whinny but the only proven fact is that it contains the identity of the caller. Carlos and Montana frequently whinny when their caregivers approach, as well as when they are eating favorite food items.       

C.J. Campbell  (Ed), Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology and Evolution of the Genus Ateles (pp. 81-109). New York: Cambridge University Press.

 

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."   — Aesop

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.