Primate Update 11-15

MAHALO

Words in Hawaiian have Mana, or life energy/divine power, and one of the most sacred words is Mahalo.  In the most basic translation, Mahalo means thankfulness and appreciation, however the true meaning is much deeper than that, and can be seen by analyzing the word:
Ma= In +  ha=breath (life/divine) + alo= presence: May you be in the presence of the divine breath.

When you say Mahalo to to another person, you are blessing them and expressing sincere gratitude, respect and admiration. To live with the value of Mahalo, means to live in thankfulness and appreciation of all that life gives us.  It means recognizing our skills, knowledge and experiences as gifts to be treasured and celebrated, and utilizing those gifts in the best possible way. 

At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, wprimate deeply resonate with the value of Mahalo; it impacts all that we do. We are profoundly grateful for:

The calling to be a part of something good, and shine a little light in the darkness is a true gift.  Every single member of the Pacific Primate Sanctuary community is supporting something they truly believe in and making a difference in the world. The Sanctuary’s successes would not be possible wihout our phenomenal supporters.  If we all follow our hearts, and use our gifts to benefit others, our lives reflect the value of Mahalo, and that will make the world a better place for everyone. 

Pacific Primate Sanctuary News

 PPS FUNDRAISER at FLATBREAD:

PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY WILL BE HAVING A FUNDRAISER AT THE FLATBREAD COMPANY IN PAIA ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015, FROM 4:00-10:00PM.

The event will include a Silent Auction featuring local artists and businesses. PPS will receive a portion of the proceeds from all pizza sales, so please mark your calendar and invite your family and friends to join us on 12/1 for a Pizza Party FUNdraiser for the Monkeys at Flatbread in Paia from 4-10pm!

 

Pacific Primate Sanctuary Inc. has been honored with a prestigious 2015 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.

GreatNonprofits is a website designed to help people find trustworthy nonprofits through user reviews. Their mission is to help inspire and inform prospective donors and volunteers, by helping them differentiate between nonprofits; find ones that they trust, and be more confident in giving or signing up to volunteer.  They also strive to enable nonprofits, regardless of the size of their marketing budget, to harness their most authentic and most effective advertising- the stories of those they serve.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is pleased to be recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit for the second year in a row!  The reviews about PPS were written by veterinarians, current and past volunteers, donors, individuals who have placed animals in our care, and many other supporters. We are deeply grateful for the encouraging, thoughtful words of the PPS community.  Reading the comments warms our hearts, and affirms our commitment to the precious beings in our care. These are some of the awe-inspiring comments written about Pacific Primate Sanctuary this year:

“PPS is a gift to the community and the world. It embodies the compassion and care for all creation that imbues all religious and humanistic traditions. The founder and all the volunteers are incredibly dedicated and skilled. PPS is a bright light in our troubled world.”

“Pacific Primate Sanctuary is exemplary in every way. It is in an extraordinarily beautiful environment, nurturing, humane and managed with much intelligence, sensitivity, love and caring.”

“I have had the privilege of working with the Sanctuary for over 15 years in a consulting role concerning the health of the monkeys. The facility is exemplary and its nutrition, husbandry, and preventive health program as well as any necessary health care, are far beyond what zoos can do for their animals. Their animals live to old age in a beautiful habitat where their physical and mental needs are met. The Sanctuary program is visionary for these animals…”

You can read (and write) more wonderful reviews at:
http://greatnonprofits.org/org/pacific-primate-sanctuary-inc

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 philanthropic program.  Each time you do a search using GoodSearch, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  Larger donations are made to PPS when you order from one of the many participating online stores, using GoodShop.

GoodShop
Goodshop is THE go-to place to find all those coupon codes and promo codes on the web for thousands of stores from AmazonSmile (please designate PPS as your nonprofit of choice), the Gap, Best Buy, Expedia, Target, Apple and more!  So, don’t ever miss a chance to save a bit of money. AND, when you click through from Goodshop, a percentage of what you spend is donated to Pacific Primate Sanctuary!  So, this holiday season, shop, save and give – for free!
 
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



Gift Contributions
Many people do not enjoy the commercialism of the holiday buying binge and are searching for truly meaningful gifts.  We would like to offer a unique gift giving opportunity:
Gift Contributions can be made to Pacific Primate Sanctuary in the name of anyone on your holiday list. Your Gift Recipients will receive a beautiful Contribution Certificate showing you have made a donation in their name, along with information about PPS.  This thoughtful and significant present helps to feed and care for threatened, endangered and distressed primates.  Please go to our website for details:
http://www.pacificprimate.org/help.htm


How to Contribute Directly
We rely on and appreciate your continued partnership. Please 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

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

Welcome to New PPS Intern, Paolina!
Paolina arrived on October 14th to begin her Resident Internship at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  She received a degree in Animal Biology in 2013 from the University of Guelph in Ontario.  Paolina spent several years working in veterinary clinics, as both a veterinary assistant and an animal care attendant in an emergency clinic.  She also has experience caring for wildlife native to Ontario at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.  Paolina is eager to expand her knowledge and abilities as a primate caregiver at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, and has already shown a deep commitment to learning all aspects of New World primate care. Welcome Paolina, we are so happy you have joined Team PPS!

Paolina writes:
I happily accept your kind offer of a position as a resident New World Primate Caregiver/Office Assistant at Pacific Primate Sanctuary (PPS). I was impressed with everyone whom I met during my interview and feel honored to be chosen to carry out a year-long tenure with PPS….

…I want to come to PPS for personal and professional growth as a wildlife rehabilitator. I believe that I will learn very much from the great minds and personalities of both humans and monkeys alike at your sanctuary. This internship provides me with a chance to develop my animal husbandry abilities, gain experience in primate care, and assist with the need for primate protection and rainforest conservation.

My goals for this internship are to learn all aspects of New World primate care as well as office and management responsibilities at PPS. I wish to make a significant contribution to your organization while learning a great deal from experienced interns and staff. I endeavor to share my skills in order to carry out PPS’s mission to protect and preserve threatened, endangered and distressed primates and their natural environments. I hope that the education and training obtained from PPS will allow me to provide optimum care for all the primates at the sanctuary, while enriching my skills as an animal caretaker in order to become an even better wildlife rehabilitator. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
 

 

A Hui Ho Katie

It is with deep sadness that we said farewell to Intern Katie last month, who returned Minnesota for medical reasons.  Katie was an outstanding Intern, and we are grateful for all that she contributed to PPS. She was a truly dedicated caregiver, deeply committed to the wellbeing of each individual in her care.  She arrived with no primate care experience, and left a well-rounded, highly educated, and intuitive Primary Animal Caregiver.  The animals’ needs always came first for Katie. Her positive, compassionate nature created a space full of Aloha for all the monkeys and volunteers.  Near the end of her Internship, Katie focused on revising, reorganizing and editing the PPS Manuals, to make them more user friendly and up to date so the future caregivers will have the benefit of Katie’s knowledge and expertise.   We greatly miss having Katie at the Sanctuary, and know that we will be with her again in the future.  

Katie Writes:
It has been an absolute pleasure working with such selfless individuals and I feel truly blessed to have spent time learning and growing with all of you. It is by no coincidence that the kinds of people who dedicate their time and lives to serving are some of the best people I have ever known. During my time here, there were some things that stood as especially poignant reminders of why we do what we do.

There are of course always the little, everyday moments. Sleepy couples poking their heads out of their sleeping cubes to watch you do evening walkthrough, or the moment immediately after breakfast has been distributed where everything is quiet except for the sounds of dozens of monkeys chewing. But there were also the rarer moments - cradling an ill marmoset in my hand as she passed, with nothing but the smell of lavender in the air and the sounds of her labored breath.  Processing the absolute heart break that followed and sharing it with my friends and colleagues who responded with so much compassion that it still takes my breath away.

And there were firsts, too, not just ends. The first time I saw Pacey the ex-pet being groomed by the partner that finally stuck, and watching how just being in contact with another monkey calmed him in a way nothing else ever could. Returning Artemis to her enclosure with her partner after a long battle with her kidney disease and watching from the sides as they greeted each other for the first time in months. It was through moments like these and interactions with our Volunteers, Interns, management, and everyone who comes through these doors that I was shown how it doesn’t matter what you do so long as you continue to strive for something bigger than yourself. I know that through my fellow Interns, of whom I am so proud, this philosophy will be kept alive and the monkeys will continue to flourish despite who comes and goes. I will miss every single one of you so much, and wish you all the very best.
All my love,
Katie

 

PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY’S NEW WORLD PRIMATE CAREGIVER RESIDENCY is a
year- long internship program. We have had 35 Interns over the past 11 years and the curriculum has deepened and expanded over time. The Sanctuary’s education program is mutually beneficial, since the Interns provide a high level of animal husbandry and compassionate care to the 50 monkeys.

The PPS immersion Internship has become a coveted residency for students and professionals, worldwide.  With your support we will be able to provide this comprehensive training program and extensive experience to these dedicated students who will graduate with a profound understanding of the care, conservation, and rehabilitation of threatened and endangered animals.

The PPS Resident Internship would not be possible without the support of our caring Donors.  Funding for this essential program is needed in order to provide housing, utilities, and supplies for the Sanctuary’s 2016-2017 Resident Interns.

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

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Special Topic: Intern Jordan
The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus
Chapter 5: The Body (Part 2)

Capuchins use their hands very differently than their platyrrhine (New World monkey) relatives, even though their hands lack any distinctive features when compared to other New World monkeys.  In humans, the thumb is critical in achieving precise control of objects. The “saddle joint” enables our thumbs to rotate so that its tip faces the tips of other digits, which allows us to have very strong grips and very fine movements. Capuchins lack the saddle joint and at first were classified to have pseudo-opposable thumbs. This means that when the hand picks up something small the thumb closes in parallel to the other digits in a power grip. The whole hand must move to shift the object when using this grip. Unlike humans, capuchins cannot just use the index finger and thumb to pick up the small object. Later it was found that capuchins are able to achieve precision grips in a variety of ways and are the only platyrrhine taxon that can do so.

There are two skeletal features that allow for the strength and precision grips that capuchins exhibit. Capuchins are fairly similar to Old World monkeys in the range of rotation that occurs at the wrist joint because of the geometry of the joint surfaces. This may support some degree of opposability between thumb and other digits. The second skeletal feature is a relatively deep carpal arch. This is associated with an arrangement of bones in the hand that would improve opposition as well as strength of digital flexors, which support strong grip on objects.

Capuchins have muscular and neural characteristics that relate directly to opposition and strong grip. They can oppose their thumbs to other digits through the rotation of the lower thumb bone. Capuchins have a deep layer of muscle that flexes the fingers (M. flexor digitorum profundus). This muscle contains a radial portion, which may move the thumb and forefinger separately from the other digits.

Capuchins use their hands for gathering insects, cracking open nuts and fruits, as well as grooming. All primates, and many other animals, groom themselves, but what is interesting is the fact that nonhuman primates groom other individuals as well. An individual grooming himself uses the same actions as an individual grooming another. They spread the fur with one or both hands and then use one hand to pick, scrape, or grab small objects in the hair or irregularities in the skin. Sometimes they even use their tongue or lips to touch the skin or hair. Some of the PPS staff have been fortunate enough to see Miracle and Prospero grooming one another. It’s a rare, but beautiful sight!

In addition to grooming, capuchins practice other self-care behaviors like fur-rubbing and urine-washing. These behaviors are shared with some other New World monkeys but are not common in other primate groups. Urine washing has multiple functions: hygiene, thermoregulation and response to irritation from biting ectoparasites. Urine washing begins with an individual urinating into the palm of one hand, and then rubbing it on the sole of the foot. Sometimes this is repeated with the other hand and foot. They will also use the hand or foot to rub or scratch another body part. At PPS urine washing is not observed as frequently as fur-rubbing.

Fur-rubbing, or anointing, involves an individual applying a substance, most often plant material (pulp, seeds, juice, oil from citrus skin) or tissues from a soft-bodied invertebrate, across a large section of the body using hands and tails. Some of the material that capuchins use function as insect repellant. Capuchins salivate excessively when fur-rubbing and will rub the excess saliva on their body along with the materials above. They engage in this activity with more enthusiasm than other primates that practice this behavior.

At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we witness this enthusiasm on most mornings when we do the daily vinegar spraying of the capuchin enclosures. The main function of the vinegar is to kill any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses that the monkeys’ breakfast may come in contact with. But the vinegar serves a dual purpose. Both Prospero and Miracle can be seen using it for fur-rubbing. Since they also greatly enjoy using citrus for fur-rubbing, the capuchins will soon have a bounty from the PPS orchard, which will be producing an abundance of every imaginable citrus fruit, as we approach winter!

 

Special Topic: Intern Mady
Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology and Evolution of the Genus Ateles
Locomotion and positional behavior of spider monkeys
Dionisius Youlatos

Their relatively large size, strong preference for fruits and leaves, prehensile tails made especially for grabbing and climbing, and suspensory locomotion make spider monkeys unique among New World monkeys. Spider monkeys use their large muscles and tails to move quickly over long distances. Their long forelimbs, strong hind limbs, and specially equipped tail help them to leap, drop, and position themselves in ways that are not seen with other New World monkeys.

Spider monkeys are specialists at leaping, dropping, and suspensory locomotion. Because the end of their tails have a grip-like pad, they can easily and comfortably grab onto branches and hang just by their tail. This suspensory locomotion is the most common form of movement for spider monkeys. Their tail acts like a third hand when climbing, or as an extended leg when reaching for things. Their tail-assisted brachiation, or the use of their arms and tail to swing through the jungle, is an especially efficient mode of transport. When there is a large gap between branches, they leap. Spider monkeys will become airborne, moving horizontally over a distance of 3 to 5 meters to get to their desired location. They are also capable of dropping down from the treetops quickly. They usually suspend themselves by their tails and then drop 1 to 3 meters to lower branches. Their rapid and efficient movements help them travel quickly to the ripest fruits in their territory.

Spider monkeys also typically position themselves in two different seated positions – the ischial sit and the non-ischial sit or squat. At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, spider monkey, Carlos, typically favors the squat during feeding time. He will often come to the feed platform and have his two legs on the bars with his tail grasping a higher bar. He then squats down and grabs the fresh fruit and vegetables in his bowl, putting most of his weight on his hind limbs and tail. This allows him to grab what he likes and quickly climb back up high to eat his food. His brother Montana, however, prefers the ischial sit. He will typically race to the feeding area, drop vertically from the mesh in his greenroom onto the feed platform, and sit completely on his rear. He enjoys sitting on the platform until he is satisfied. Both can be seen climbing, leaping and suspending from their tails each day, and their newly installed branches give them even more opportunity to leap, drop, suspend and, for the first time in their lives, to brachiate!

 

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.
-Henry Ward Beecher












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

The Sounds of PPS

The morning after I arrived at PPS, I awoke to what I assumed was the sound of trilling birds. I came to find that the sound was in fact, 44 Callitrichids, two capuchins, and two spider monkeys. In the next few weeks I would begin to recognize the first layer of these sounds, and as a caregiver one of my most important jobs was to know, separate, and understand the cacophony of noises here that never stops.

The first layer is the superficial layer- maintenance workers hammering, crickets and birds and toads and the ocean and all the sounds that come with a tropical rainforest. The second layer contains the sounds of the monkeys. The alarm calls, the inquisitive noises, the sounds of volunteers and other caregivers, the sounds of everything and anything that might impact the monkeys. When I learned this layer I learned the sound of a car approaching the driveway from across site- I even learned the sounds of the respective maintenance worker’s cars. I also learned that sound, for some reason, travels and bounces around here in a way I never could have anticipated. I learned that when the neighbors drive down the road it sounds like it’s coming from the forest behind the yurts, but once you trudge through the foliage you will find that the noise is actually coming from well off the property. This layer also encompasses the sounds of the night- the geckos calling (which sounds rather like monkeys fighting, but as I learned my first night is- in fact- not), and the general chitter chatter of the jungle.

I next began to separate the sounds unique to the individuals who reside here. I knew the chirps that meant my pants were too brightly colored and the monkeys were alarmed by them, and the noises that meant the shoes I was wearing covered my toes and someone didn’t approve. I never woke from my bed at five in the morning more quickly or more alert than when the entire building of monkeys began to alarm call because the neighbor’s cat was walking too close to their enclosures.

 Over the next few months, I finally began to hear the most elusive noises. These sounds came from individuals who had become comfortable with my presence. The noises that a cotton top tamarin makes when she wants her partner to groom her. The long calls and responses of partners separated. The happy grunt of an ex-pet marmoset who was never given the opportunity to learn the way his species communicates. He doesn’t quite have the hang of it, but he’s learning. The inquisitive noises of a tamarin who is having mobility problems, and who may be  scared, but he also knows you have something tasty and that it might be for him. The greeting whinny of the spider monkeys, who can hear you walking through the orchard collecting fruit and want to know which of their caregivers it is. These are the noises that a rare few are given the privilege of experiencing, and PPS is one of the few environments in the world which fosters them. The next aspect of PPS I came to learn in such a dimensional way was the smells, and that’s a story for another day. 

Written by Katie Anderson

Primate Update E-newsletter 7-15

Over the past 11 years, Pacific Primate Sanctuary has hosted and trained over 35 Resident Interns.  The PPS Internship is a unique immersion program, facilitating learning about New World primates and animal sanctuary management on an intimate, in depth, all encompassing level.  The Internship program has deepened and expanded over time, with advanced training modules added regularly. During 2014-2015 we developed a Behavioral Conditioning Program, expanded our Emergency Care training to include full physical exams and the utilization of medical SOAP notes for keeping records, and have broadened Primate Behavior and Communication training. The PPS immersion Internship has become a coveted residency for students and professionals, worldwide.
 
The Sanctuary’s resident training program is mutually beneficial, since the Interns learn to provide a high level of animal husbandry and compassionate care to the 50 monkeys.  PPS could not afford to pay for the service, skills, and expertise that PPS Interns dedicate to the animals,
 
On the recommendation of PPS Advisory Board members, we recently created an Assistant Manager position, which can be awarded to select Interns who have completed their Internship, and demonstrate the ability and desire to acquire Sanctuary management skills. PPS Assistant Managers will learn about Sanctuary administration and procedures, and will assist the PPS Operations Manager and Director in the selection of new Interns and Volunteers, providing staff supervision documenting new protocol, helping with fundraising, outreach, and the many other tasks necessary to keep the Sanctuary functioning and advancing.
 
We are currently building a new Yurt, to accommodate our first assistant manager, PPS Resident Intern, Amanda. PPS is so grateful to Joani, long time PPS supporter and partner, for funding this vital project. Words cannot fully express our appreciation for her partnership, which has made the advances and growth of our organization possible.  Thank you to Steven for tirelessly working on the Yurt construction and to PPS volunteer Dayton, for his help.Thank you also to Mark and Dan at Pacific Source in Washington, for donating the Yurt shipping and delivery charges.  

The Sanctuary could not operate without the Interns, and a resident Assistant Manager will be of great benefit to PPS as well. We are truly fortunate to have received Joani’s funding for additional housing. However, paying for the resident staffs’ utilities, and providing goods and supplies has been a major drain on our limited resources. We need additional funds to ensure that the PPS Residency Program can continue. With your support, we will be able to provide this comprehensive training program and extensive experience to these dedicated students who will graduate with a profound understanding of the care, conservation, and rehabilitation of threatened and endangered animals.
 

 

HAWAIIAN VALUES

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

HO‘OHANA—
The value of work: To work with intent and with purpose. “Hana is the word for work. Ho‘o is a prefix that brings active causation and transition to the base words that follow: it will turn nouns into people-powered verbs — we make them happen. Therefore, the word Ho‘ohana defines a value in which you work with resolve, focus and determination. You are choosing to work with purpose, and with self-defining intentions.”
 
Ho‘ohana is the value of worthwhile work. When you ho‘ohana, you are working with passion and purpose. Ho‘ohana is bringing intention and full presence to whatever you do.  Ho‘ohana work is something you love doing, it may involve working in celebration of your natural strengths, talents, and gifts, working to make a difference, working to serve others or working for a cause you deeply care about.
 
At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Ho’ohana is always apparent and evident. Every task that we do is done with the intention of serving the animals in our care.  Whether we are cutting up produce, hosing enclosure floors, pruning outdoor enclosures or washing dishes, we are filled with a purpose:  to provide the best possible care to the monkeys.  PPS team members are filled with purpose and care deeply for each individual primate.   Ho’ohana creates an environment of peace, healing and Aloha for the monkeys. 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP the MONKEYS at PPS

 
 
How to Contribute Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. Please 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

   
“Malama ‘Ola the Monkeys” and help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the 50 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and contribute to the care of the Beings with whom we share the Earth.

 
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 philanthropic program.  Each time you do a search using GoodSearch, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  Larger donations are made to PPS when you order from one of the many participating online stores, using GoodShop.
 
GoodShop
Use GoodShop.com to find great deals on back to school shopping!  After designating Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your nonprofit of choice, you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a significant percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the Sanctuary at no cost to you! For example: if you shop on eBay using Goodshop.com, 25-35% of eBay revenue will be donated to PPS! 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.
 

GIVE THE GIFT OF YOUR SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
 
PPS invites local volunteers to join us in our life-saving work. We need: Animal Caregivers, Maintenance/Handy people, Gardeners, Landscapers, Fundraisers, a Seamstress, etc.

Retirees are welcome!  If you live on Maui and are interested in becoming a member of the Pacific Primate Sanctuary Community, by volunteering your time and skills, please contact us: pps@pacificprimate.org

CONTINUING EDUCATION

 
Special Topic: Intern Mady
 
Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles
Morphology and Evolution of the Spider Monkey, Genus Ateles
Alfred L. Rosenberger, Lauren Halenar, Siobhan B. Cooke and Walter C. Hartwig
 
South America is home to four genres of Ateline – howler monkeys (Alouatta), woolly monkeys (Lagothrix), muriquis (Brachyteles), and spider monkeys (Ateles).  Pacific Primate Sanctuary provides refuge to two spider monkeys in the Ateles family, who were rescued from a local tourist attraction. Ateles literally means “imperfect”; this name is based on their unique body structure, which was considered imperfect, but is actually extremely well adapted to the primates’ ecology. They are built as a bit of a hybrid. Spider monkeys have long arms and a short trunk that is closer in comparison to gibbons, but skulls and teeth like the howler monkeys and woolly monkeys. Spider monkeys live a high-energy lifestyle while surviving mainly on soft, ripe fruit that is widely dispersed throughout the upper treetops. Their efficient brachiation: the way they move through the treetops, swinging from branches, allows them to move swiftly through their forested environment. Muriquis, for example, are not able to keep up with such an active lifestyle because they do not have the longer forelimbs and mobility that spider monkeys possess. Spider monkeys also have forelimbs that are 150% the length of their trunk – giving them the longest arm-span out of the four Atelines in South America.
 
Another reason spider monkeys are classified as  “imperfect” is their lack of thumbs. Their hands are curved like hooks, and without a thumb to get in their way, they can move from branch to branch with ease, making them some of the most skillful brachiators in the jungle. The spider monkeys at PPS, Carlos and Montana, use their curved hands when they are swinging or when they are feeding. They readily scoop up their fresh fruits and veggies straight into their mouths and swing away with ease. The two brothers often rely on their tails to suspend themselves from their branches and ropes to reach lower branches, helping them move quickly through their large enclosure. Knowing spider monkey locomotion and their diet in the wild contributes to their caregivers’ ability to provide the environment and nutrition which best serve their needs.  We give Carlos and Montana fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein along with their biscuits to make sure they not only have a nutritional diet, but also food items which are similar to those found in their natural diet!  Carlos and Montana very clearly prefer the ripe fruit they receive every day above anything else offered to them – just like they would enjoy in the wild. The boys will often rush to their bowls and look through the vegetables to get to the delicious, ripe fruit with their claw-shaped hands. Their 40’ long enclosure, built for them at PPS, is designed so they can express species appropriate locomotion- their natural movement— brachiating
from branch to branch, for the first time in their lives.
 

Special Topic: Intern Jordan
 
The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus
Community ecology: How do capuchins interact with their local communities and influence their environments?
 
Capuchins play many roles in their environments. They are predators, prey, agents of dispersal for plants, crop raiders, ecosystem “engineers”, and hosts for parasites, among other things. It is very important to understand the many roles Capuchins can play, in order to provide them with the best possible care at the Sanctuary.
 
Capuchins, especially their young, are prey for the large carnivores including jaguars, pumas, coyotes, tayras (Eira barbara, of the weasel family), venomous and constricting snakes, caimans and crocodiles. Scientists believe that the risk of being killed by one of these large predators is such a significant factor in the life of a primate that enhanced predator detection and defense has frequently been proposed as a primary benefit of group living. Not many captures of capuchins by predators have been documented, but even if captures are rare, losing one member of a group can play an major role in the demographic of the population. Capuchins have developed many ways to evade predation attempts. One strategy works especially well for the “sit and wait” predators, like snakes. They try to pre-empt attacks using early detection and alarm calling, and then frequently mob their predator. The mobbing of a predator is normally led by an adult male who repeatedly and loudly makes threats and alarm calls, while breaking large branches and dropping them on the predator. To capuchins, humans can also be seen as a threat. Numerous times in the wild, field researchers have been bombarded with branches from above by capuchins. As caregivers, our goal is to ensure we are not seen as a threat to the animals but rather that our presence promotes a beneficial sense of safety. We always enter the area near Miracle and Prospero’s enclosure quietly, with caution, moving slowly and keeping our heads down in a submissive posture, to avoid causing any distress.  This behavior keeps the animals at ease, and creates a positive relationship.
 
Capuchins, like all mammals, are hosts to parasites, some that are neutral and others that are harmful. They can be infected with blood parasites, ectoparasites such as hot flies, mites, ticks and lice, and endoparasites such as tapeworms and roundworms. In Costa Rica fecal samples of Cebus capucinus (the species of Capuchins housed at PPS), spider monkeys and howlers were analyzed. C. capucinus had the highest percentage of parasitized feces. It is hypothesized that the higher parasitic loads of the capuchins is due to drinking from water holes, foraging on the ground and trees, and eating a wider variety of food than the howlers and spider monkeys. More research needs to be conducted to better understand the relationship between capuchins and their parasites.   At PPS, we know that keeping a sanitary environment is the best way to prevent any parasitic infections. We disinfect daily, and remove any items that may attract parasitic hosts (such as rodents or slugs) to decrease the likelihood of the animals coming into contact with any parasites. All the primates at PPS are also regularly provided with preventative dewormers.  By understanding the roles Capuchins play in their natural environment, we are able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the monkeys in our care.
 

 
 
Special Topic:  Intern Katie
Don’t Shoot the Dog: The new art of teaching and training
Chapter Three: Stimulus Control: Cooperation Without Coercion
 
For behavioral conditioning purposes, anything which prompts a behavioral response is considered a stimulus. For example, primate behaviors such as alarm calling in response to a loud noise or blinking at a bright light are called unconditioned primary stimuli. Stimuli can also be learned by association with a reinforced behavior. For example, an individual hears the sound of a feed door opening and comes over expecting food or a treat, because the sound is associated with food.  Those types of stimuli are referred to as “cues” or signals.
 
In operant conditioning, once the desired behavior is established, a “cue” is introduced in order to shape the behavior. This brings the behavior under stimulus control. The stimulus becomes another positive reinforcer, a sort of green light, so the individual knows that executing a specific behavior will result in a reward.
 
Following operant conditioning, a dog is taught to sit using a clicker, then the cue of the spoken word, “sit” is introduced. Stimulus controlled behavior is useful in one common occurrence of training: anticipation.  Once an individual knows a specific behavior, they become so eager that they act before a cue has been given. We often see this with Miracle and Prospero, who have been trained to present their hands to caregivers for inspection in the event of injury. Because of this conditioning, when caregivers walk past their enclosures Miracle and Prospero will often reach their hands through their enclosure, presenting their hands, and hoping for a treat for their behavior.
 
Stimulus controlled behavior is essentially communication. Each individual knows what to expect and acts accordingly. Stimulus is ideal as a reinforcer because it allows us to communicate with the individual and shape the behaviors that are beneficial to the animal, in the least intrusive way possible.

“We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals.  Animals suffer as much as we do.  True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them.  It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it.  Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.”  
                      ~Albert Schweitzer
 
 
 
 
 
 
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 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 2-15

Support for Animal Rights and Welfare on the rise in Europe!
 
Since 2009 there has been growing support for animal rights throughout Europe. 
In 2010, the European Union approved legislation on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes.  The overarching goal of the directive was to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals used in research. One very important aspect of the legislation is the development and implementation of alternative methods of testing.
 
All 28 of the European Union Member states were required to pass laws in compliance with the new legislation by the end of 2013.  The Italian Parliament approved several new restrictions on the use of animals in research, testing, and teaching that actually went beyond that which was required by the European Union.  The new laws in Italy included a ban on breeding dogs, cats and primates for experimentation.  Additionally, there was a total ban on testing alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs on animals. 

At the end of 2014, an undercover investigation by animal rights groups exposed devastating footage about what happens to primates at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Germany.  This footage resulted in a police raid at the institute, in early 2015, because of suspected animal welfare violations. During the raid, documents and records were seized. To find out more about the undercover investigation, and to see the footage, visit the following link.  Be advised that this footage is graphic and difficult to watch.  ”Truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.”    -Flannery O'Connor
http://www.buav.org/undercover-investigations/a-living-nightmare
 
In January of this year, Parliament in France voted in favor of a new classification for pets, and other animals living in captivity. In 1804, animals in France were classified as “movable property”, essentially giving animals the same rights and protection as a piece of furniture.  This archaic ruling has been in place for over 200 years, but finally, after much work and petitioning from Animal Right’s groups, animals in France have been reclassified as “living, sentient beings”!  This is a huge step, which will allow for better protection of animals and harsher punishment for anyone who abuses them.  Similar laws have been in place through the European Union since 2009 under the Lisbon Treaty.

Steve Cooke, a University Teacher in Theory and Animal Rights at the University of Sheffield, wrote a wonderful article encouraging a “cosmopolitan” approach to animal treatment.  The idea being that people act with humanity towards all other sentient beings.  The “cosmopolitan” mindset encourages openness and acceptance of difference.

“What matters when thinking about fundamental rights is not who we are, where we are from, or what nation or species we are born into, but that we can feel. If a being’s existence matters to it, then it ought to matter to us.”  Please read his article at the following link:
http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2015/01/05/europe-should-embrace-a-cosmopolitan-approach-to-animal-rights/#Author
 
It is truly inspiring and uplifting to see the positive changes in Europe to protect our fellow beings. As consciousness rises, we hope that the legislation and enforcement regulating the treatment of animals will continue to improve in the United States and globally.

At Pacific Primate Sanctuary, we practice the principle that all beings deserve to be treated with compassion 

 Sources
http://www.nature.com/news/german-police-raid-animal-research-lab-1.16813
http://www.pawsforthenews.tv/1news/1featured-news/pets-classed-under-french-civil-law-are-to-be-given-a-new-legal-status-as-sentient-beings-all-countries-need-to-follow/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201502/animals-in-france-what-really-happened-about-sentience
http://www.nature.com/news/animal-rights-activists-ramp-up-campaigns-in-europe-1.16637
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1308/S00057/italy-bans-all-animal-testing-of-recreational-drugs.htm


NOBEL LAUREATE J. M. COETZEE BACKS A NEW REPORT WHICH DESCRIBES ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS AS MORALLY ‘UNTHINKABLE’
“More than a hundred and fifty academics, intellectuals, and writers, including Nobel Laureate J. M. Coetzee, have backed a new report calling for the de-normalisation of animal experimentation.  Titled ‘Normalising the Unthinkable’, the report is the result of a working party of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics… The report finds that ‘The deliberate and routine abuse of innocent, sentient animals involving harm, pain, suffering, stressful confinement, manipulation, trade, and death should be unthinkable. Yet animal experimentation is just that: the ‘normalisation of the unthinkable’.  ‘It is estimated that 115.3 million animals are used in experiments worldwide per annum. In terms of harm, pain, suffering, and death, this constitutes one of the major moral issues of our time.’
 Comprised of 20 leading ethicists and scientists, the working party concluded that animal experiments are both morally and scientifically flawed. The report of more than 50,000 words is probably the most comprehensive critique of animal experiments ever published.”
 
-NEWS RELEASE from the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics,
3/26/15.  The full report can be found here: <http://www.oxfordanimalethics.com/wpcms/wpcontent/uploads/Normalising-the-Unthinkable-Report.pdf>.

HAWAIIAN VALUES

 
The Hawaiian ancestors adhered to a set of values that guided their daily lives. These beliefs and principles have been passed on, through the generations, and are still an important part of traditional Hawaiian society today.  In the ongoing issues of Primate Update, we explore how the Sanctuary embodies traditional Hawaiian perspectives and practices.
Kōkua is the act of being helpful- providing relief by assisting others. To lend support whereby one assumes the same sense of responsibility as the receiver of the assistance toward completing a task or activity.  Kōkua means to extend loving, sacrificial help to others for their benefit, not for personal gain.
Kōkua is one of the founding principles of Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is an entirely volunteer based organization; each individual that cares for the animals and the facility does so purely to be of service to the animals, without personal gain or reward.  Everyday at PPS, every action is done in the spirit of Kōkua. Volunteers care for the monkeys with compassion, prepare their diets and clean their enclosures with smiles on their faces, and prune and rake their enclosures with happy hearts.  This selfless service creates a sacred place for the monkeys and provides them with an environment where they can truly heal and find peace.
  

 

PRAISE for PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY

 
We recently received a note from Dr. Delaney, long time supporter, Advisory Board member, and consulting veterinarian for Pacific Primate Sanctuary. After reading our most recent Volunteer Newsletter, she writes:
“I continue to be so impressed with your newsletter, and all the intensive record keeping you do on all the monkeys. You (and all "staff") at PPS do an incredible job. Thank you for letting me part of this.”
 
Dr. Delaney has had over 25 years of experience as a foremost exotic animal veterinarian.  In 2003 she was awarded the Exotic DVM Of The Year Award, and in 2009 she received the Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health Award.  We are so fortunate to have her assistance and acknowledgement!The PPS Community is appreciative of the contributions of all of the compassionate supporters who donate and volunteer to help keep our good work going.  Your assistance and encouragement are truly uplifting and give us courage, and inspiration every day.

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 philanthropic program.  Each time you do a search using GoodSearch, a small contribution will be made to PPS!  Larger donations are made to PPS when you order from one of the many participating online stores, using GoodShop.
 
GoodShop
Use GoodShop.com for all your gifts, shopping, travel, etc. After designating Pacific Primate Sanctuary as your nonprofit of choice, you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a significant percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the Sanctuary at no cost to you! For example: if you shop on eBay using Goodshop.com, 25-35% of eBay revenue will be donated to PPS! 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.
 
Give the Gift of Your Service and Volunteer Your Time
We are currently in need of more local volunteers! We need Animal Caregivers, Handy people, and Gardeners/Landscapers. Retirees are welcome. If you live on Maui and are interested in becoming one of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s Angels, by volunteering your time and skills, please e-mail pps@pacificprimate.org
 
Donate an Item From the PPS Wish List
You can contribute to the monkeys by donating much needed items, including:
- commercial power washer                     - power saw
- heavy-duty weed eater                           - construction supplies                                    
- gardening supplies & equipment            - baby blankets
- pet carriers                                             - push lawnmower
 
 Please contact us at pps@pacificprimate.org if you have an item you’d like to donate!
 
How to Contribute Directly
We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. Please 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

“Malama ‘Ola the Monkeys” and help us provide food, medicine and supplies for the 50 monkeys at Pacific Primate Sanctuary and contribute to the care of the Beings with whom we share the Earth.

PPS INTERNSHIP

 
Intern in the Spotlight
 
Kia is currently the Senior Primary Animal Caregiver at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.  She arrived in May 2014. Prior to being selected as a PPS Intern, Kia completed a degree in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana.  She had extensive experience caring for a variety of animals at the California Wildlife Center, as well as the Missoula Humane Society. 

Kia’s skills and expertise have been great assets to the Sanctuary. Her observation skills are excellent, and she has grown to have a deep understanding of each of the 50 monkeys she cares for.  She has proven to be a highly responsible and committed caregiver. She provides excellent leadership, is efficient and focused, and takes pride in ensuring that all duties are fulfilled and all the necessary weekly and monthly tasks are completed.
 
Kia is especially skilled in medical care and provides expert training to new caregivers. She extends her support with guidance and tips when they are learning new protocol and procedures in the Emergency Care Module. 
 
One of Kia’s goals when she came to PPS, was to “make a positive contribution”, and she has certainly done that.  We are so grateful to have Kia as a vital part of the PPS community!

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

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

CONTINUING EDUCATION
 

Special Topic: Intern Kia
The Complete Capuchin - The Biology of the Genus Cebus
“Behavioral ecology: how do capuchins make a living?”
 
Capuchins are well known for their diverse diet, and for trying to utilize almost anything remotely edible, but most of their diet is made up of fruits and insects. A study conducted by Hladik et al. (1971) on Barro Colorado Island in Panama found that capuchin diet consisted of 14.4% protein, 26.3% carbohydrate/sugars, 15.8% fat, 7.6% cellulose and 36% minerals and insoluble sugars. 
Another study, conducted by Terborg (1983), found that capuchins were more likely to eat fruit with specific features.  Capuchins are able to access extremely hard fruits because they can bite them open with their powerful mandibles and molars after pounding them against braches and rocks. Capuchins also prefer large orange, yellow, brown or green fruits with a husk. Recent research indicates that male capuchins, unlike howler monkeys, do not have the trichomatic color vision that would allow them to discriminate red fruit against green foliage background. Terborg (1983) found that the size and height of the trees was also important in determining if a fruit would be included in a monkey’s diet, however capuchins are very flexible in their use of canopy height and tree size.
 
Capuchins prefer to obtain their protein from arthropods (insects, spiders, and crustaceans) and vertebrae prey, rather than from readily available sources which are used by other primates. In a study conducted by Janson and Boinski (1992) they found capuchins did not rely on mobile insect prey and had a greater reliance on hidden or well protected insects. Capuchins commonly forage actively and destructively, using their hands and teeth, often simultaneously, to pull, to bite and smash open potential food items. This type of foraging behavior is called “combinational” because it combines an object with a substrate.   The capuchins at PPS frequently use their large teeth, strong jaws, and hands to manipulate foods items.  They are able to open and eat nuts with very hard shells, and particularly enjoy chewing on tough sugar cane stalks to extract the juice.   

 
Special Topic: Intern Kenzie
Spider Monkeys: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Genus Ateles.
“Communication in Spider Monkeys”
        
Wild spider monkey groups have fluid grouping and association patterns, with subgroups separated by great distances throughout the day.  Long distance vocalizations help to overcome spatial separation, and may be one of the only ways that they can contact and locate fellow group members and maintain their social relationships.
 
An example of a long distance vocalization is the whinny, which we witness both Carlos and Montana utilizing frequently PPS.  In a study by Klein, wild spider monkeys were observed making the whinny vocalization when at least one member from a subgroup is first able to directly see a member from another subgroup. 

The exchange of the whinny is often reciprocal between the individuals in the joining subgroups.  Klein also noted that the exchange of the whinny was also observed to indicate the availability of food and to inform others about the individual’s identity. 

In all primate societies, specific communication signals, such as a whinny, will often have multiple functions. However, recently, it has been speculated that the main functions of the whinny is simply to maintain contact between individuals in different subgroups when visual contact is lost.
 

 

Special Topic:  Intern Amanda
Marmosets and Tamarins: Systematics, Behaviour, and Ecology. 
“Flexibility and co-operation as unifying themes in Saguinus social organization and behavior: the role of predation pressures. Nancy G Caine”
 
 
Adaptability, cooperation, tolerance, and predation are key defining elements that shape tamarin social structure.  Caine has few studies to site for captive tamarins, and even fewer field studies. She explains that most studies assumed tamarins to be monogamous, but that in captivity there were instances of polyandry.  There were also instances in the wild of group compositions fluctuating frequently, with both males and females migrating.
 
Studies have shown that there are generally more males in a given group than females, and that there is only one reproductive female within each group. This is thought to promote more family stability and lessen mother-daughter competition. The role of males in infant care points to cooperative breeding rather than a traditional monogamous model, also. The variations that have been observed point to a variable breeding system rather than a strictly monogamous system. The variations observed have included monogamous, polygynous, or polyandrous. Depending on social and ecological pressures, tamarin behavior can vary quite drastically. This behavioral variation has been noted, not only in groups, but also within individuals.

Infant care is the clearest form of cooperation exhibited by tamarins. Many members of the group will take an active role in carrying and feeding infants. Aggression is not an especially common characteristic; Caine sites a study looking at 176 group-hours, which showed no injurious aggression.
 
Tamarin’s cooperation extends to vigilance against predators. In a group each individual scans frequently for potential threats. They have alarm calls that vary depending on the type of threat approaching (whether it be aerial or terrestrial), allowing them to alert other members of their group when there is danger.

 

 
 
Special Topic:  Intern Katie
Marmosets and Tamarins: Systematics, Behavior, and Ecology
“Systematics”
 
Marmoset and Tamarin species are widely distributed throughout the Amazon rainforest, and can be found in a variety of different regions.  Pacific Primate Sanctuary is home to several different species of marmosets and tamarins, including white-tufted eared marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), Weid’s marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii), black-tufted eared marmosets (Callithrix penicillata), saddleback tamarins (Saguinus fusciollis), and cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). 
 
Many of the species at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, are native to humid tropical forests, which makes the climate at PPS ideal for their rehabilitation.  Black-tufted eared marmosets are endemic to Brazil, and are capable of surviving in very degraded habitats, but are declining in many parts of their range. Wied’s marmosets are endemic to the Atlantic costal forest of Brazil but are threatened by wide spread forest destruction. Saddleback tamarins are endemic to the Brazillian Amazon. Cotton-top tamarins are endemic to northern Columbia and are critically endangered.
 
According to IUCNredlist.org, cotton-top tamarins have decreased in population by an estimated eighty percent in the past three generations.
 
In the early seventies, approximately twenty thousand to thirty thousand cotton-top tamarins were exported for use in biomedical laboratories, resulting in the devastation of their population in the wild. 
 
 

 

 
 
“Humanitarian principles do not just mean protecting the human, they also mean acting with humanity towards other sentient beings.”
 
                                                       —Steve Cooke
University Teacher in Theory and Animal Rights at the University of Sheffield.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Pacific Primate Sanctuary’s E-Newsletter. Thank you for your support of our life saving work. Because of compassionate people, the Sanctuary can continue to provide a place of peace and happiness for 50 primates saved from research laboratories, animal dealers, and tourist attractions. Here they can heal, form social groups, and live free from exploitation.