Change the scenery!
Monkeys yearn for opportunities to explore
& experience new things everyday. Being
kept in the same unchanged cage day after
day without adequate enrichment can cause
severe depression & anxiety, which can lead
to aberrant behaviors like excessive
aggressive disorder or self mutilative
behaviors.
Monkeys yearn for opportunities to explore
& experience new things everyday. Being
kept in the same unchanged cage day after
day without adequate enrichment can cause
severe depression & anxiety, which can lead
to aberrant behaviors like excessive
aggressive disorder or self mutilative
behaviors.
Monkeys love the water!
In the wild, macaque monkeys enjoy playing
in water. They leap from tree branches,
cliffs & ledges into lakes, streams & even
the ocean, where they can cool off in hot
weather, and search for shellfish & other
aquatic enrichment.
OPR addresses complexities, realities
There are vast numbers of captive primates currently needing placement in sanctuaries all over the country, who are already full or
reaching full capacity.
OPR lectures provide information about the state of primates in the wild, about the complexities involved in caring for captive
primates, and why they are not a good choice as a pet.
For the sake of primates currently kept in captive environments, OPR offers assistance to all that come, to promote humane
conditions, the best nutrition, and the best enrichment programs possible.
reaching full capacity.
OPR lectures provide information about the state of primates in the wild, about the complexities involved in caring for captive
primates, and why they are not a good choice as a pet.
For the sake of primates currently kept in captive environments, OPR offers assistance to all that come, to promote humane
conditions, the best nutrition, and the best enrichment programs possible.
Monkeys require specialized health care that is not readily available to
most!
most!
Monkeys have unique health care needs, in that their health care falls somewhere between
human & veterinary medicine. The problem is that most veterinarians are not trained or willing
to treat pet monkeys, & neither are most human doctors! Our veterinarians sometimes consult
with human specialists when treating an ailing monkey. Monkeys are vaccinated with human
vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio & tetanus. (The same vaccine we use on our
human children!) They are not vaccinated for rabies because like us, they are primates & do not
latently carry the virus. Many human viruses such as chicken pox, & certain cold & flu viruses
which are relatively harmless in humans, can be fatal to monkeys!
human & veterinary medicine. The problem is that most veterinarians are not trained or willing
to treat pet monkeys, & neither are most human doctors! Our veterinarians sometimes consult
with human specialists when treating an ailing monkey. Monkeys are vaccinated with human
vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio & tetanus. (The same vaccine we use on our
human children!) They are not vaccinated for rabies because like us, they are primates & do not
latently carry the virus. Many human viruses such as chicken pox, & certain cold & flu viruses
which are relatively harmless in humans, can be fatal to monkeys!
Enrichment needed
All captive primates need daily rotated
enrichment items & activities to keep them
mentally stimulated. Without proper
stimulation they can become
neurotic,depressed & sometimes
dangerous. In the wild, every day brings
new and exciting things to explore. New
territories with unexplored streams, unique
rock ledges & a variety of birds & insects to
chase & eat.
All captive primates need daily rotated
enrichment items & activities to keep them
mentally stimulated. Without proper
stimulation they can become
neurotic,depressed & sometimes
dangerous. In the wild, every day brings
new and exciting things to explore. New
territories with unexplored streams, unique
rock ledges & a variety of birds & insects to
chase & eat.
Action facilitates change...
| Holly & Justin playing in the water on a warm summer day at OPR |
| Team of OPR medical specialists (left) remove a 1-1/2 pound cystic ovary from "Xena", (a Spider Monkey) shortly after her arrival. Xena pictured to the right receives TLC during her recovery. |
Did you know that normal values used for diagnostics in monkey testing is different for monkeys kept primarily indoors than out.
And that not all monkey species have the same values? It's very complicated! That is why it is so important to work with a lab
who understands the variables in non-human primate testing!
Not all primate species are susceptible to the same viruses. There are unique virus testing panels and cultures specifically
designed and recommended for primates in each of the following groups: Macaques, Asian species, African monkeys, New
World Monkeys and Apes. In addition to the virus panels, a comprehensive stool culture is recommended for all primate species.
And that not all monkey species have the same values? It's very complicated! That is why it is so important to work with a lab
who understands the variables in non-human primate testing!
Not all primate species are susceptible to the same viruses. There are unique virus testing panels and cultures specifically
designed and recommended for primates in each of the following groups: Macaques, Asian species, African monkeys, New
World Monkeys and Apes. In addition to the virus panels, a comprehensive stool culture is recommended for all primate species.
| Monkeys Require Specialized Testing |
| Our very own Terry & Heather Learning first hand from wild Tibetan Macaques in China |
While monkeys are not human, they share many similar physical
characteristics such as fetal appearance (left) and unique hand & finger
prints (right).
They also share human emotions such as depression, happiness,
loneliness, jealousy, anger, love, and grief from the loss of family
members or friends.
Like humans, monkeys choose their own friends.
characteristics such as fetal appearance (left) and unique hand & finger
prints (right).
They also share human emotions such as depression, happiness,
loneliness, jealousy, anger, love, and grief from the loss of family
members or friends.
Like humans, monkeys choose their own friends.
Macaque Hand Print
From left; Wangxi, Terry, Heather & Zhangmin, taking shelter from
the rain in a rock cave. Wangxi & Zhangmin are graduate students
at Anhui University working with Dr. Li
the rain in a rock cave. Wangxi & Zhangmin are graduate students
at Anhui University working with Dr. Li
Looking down onto the viewing platforms from
a 'monkeys view point' in the jungle...
a 'monkeys view point' in the jungle...
Adult male on the rock
ledges around the
viewing platforms
ledges around the
viewing platforms
Juvenile "Hua Hui"
"Hey Terry, my cousins are
comin... You better wake up!"
"Hey Terry, my cousins are
comin... You better wake up!"
I think he wants
us to leave...
us to leave...
Threatening posture
directed toward the
tourists...
directed toward the
tourists...
Juvenile "Ya-2"
Terry
The YA-2 troop
foraging for
corn
foraging for
corn
"YeGui", Adult Male YA-2
Summary by Terry Yenter
For five weeks in the summer of 2007, I was privileged to be a part of Central Washington University’s Biodiversity and Conservation Field School. 9 students and 3 professors studied amphibians and wild populations of
Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in the beautiful Valley of the Wild Monkeys (VWM). The study site is an ecotourism destination located in the Huangshan scenic district in the Anhui province of south east China. The
program allowed us to conduct research and collect data while totally immersed in Chinese culture. Needless to say, it was quite a challenge.
While the amphibian study was quite interesting, the main attraction for me was the chance to study wild macaques. The VWM is home to 13 troops of wild Tibetan macaques. Two of these groups are habituated to humans,
and are provisioned with corn several times a day to lure them from the forest to areas where they can be seen by tourists. While in the VWM, I was given the opportunity to witness firsthand the behavior and group dynamics of
wild monkeys. On several occasions we were even allowed to follow the monkeys into the mountains, away from the tourist platforms. It was amazing how differently the monkeys behaved in their natural environment. On one
of our follows, I was even groomed by the juveniles of a group. It was an exhilarating experience that I will never forget.
My study focuses on stress related behaviors of macaques as they relate to tourist presence and density. Studies from previous field schools have shown a strong correlation between stress related behaviors and large
numbers of tourists. The data collected over the past 5 years could lead to suggestions on how to reduce the impact of ecotourism on the monkeys at the park.
I feel that studying wild populations is very relevant to the management of captive-raised non-human primates. It enables us to see their natural behaviors, habits, and social structure. OPR is a sanctuary, dedicated to providing
a safe, comfortable, and enriching home for all of its rescued monkey inhabitants. By learning all we can about the lives these monkeys would lead in a wild environment, I hope we can better accommodate and care for
monkeys that will never experience they joy of going home.
For five weeks in the summer of 2007, I was privileged to be a part of Central Washington University’s Biodiversity and Conservation Field School. 9 students and 3 professors studied amphibians and wild populations of
Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in the beautiful Valley of the Wild Monkeys (VWM). The study site is an ecotourism destination located in the Huangshan scenic district in the Anhui province of south east China. The
program allowed us to conduct research and collect data while totally immersed in Chinese culture. Needless to say, it was quite a challenge.
While the amphibian study was quite interesting, the main attraction for me was the chance to study wild macaques. The VWM is home to 13 troops of wild Tibetan macaques. Two of these groups are habituated to humans,
and are provisioned with corn several times a day to lure them from the forest to areas where they can be seen by tourists. While in the VWM, I was given the opportunity to witness firsthand the behavior and group dynamics of
wild monkeys. On several occasions we were even allowed to follow the monkeys into the mountains, away from the tourist platforms. It was amazing how differently the monkeys behaved in their natural environment. On one
of our follows, I was even groomed by the juveniles of a group. It was an exhilarating experience that I will never forget.
My study focuses on stress related behaviors of macaques as they relate to tourist presence and density. Studies from previous field schools have shown a strong correlation between stress related behaviors and large
numbers of tourists. The data collected over the past 5 years could lead to suggestions on how to reduce the impact of ecotourism on the monkeys at the park.
I feel that studying wild populations is very relevant to the management of captive-raised non-human primates. It enables us to see their natural behaviors, habits, and social structure. OPR is a sanctuary, dedicated to providing
a safe, comfortable, and enriching home for all of its rescued monkey inhabitants. By learning all we can about the lives these monkeys would lead in a wild environment, I hope we can better accommodate and care for
monkeys that will never experience they joy of going home.
Summary by Heather Mack
The China Biodiversity and Conservation Field School at Central Washington University provides students with the opportunity to study free living Tibetan macaque monkeys, rare amphibian species, as well as experience
Chinese culture. Field research is conducted at the Valley of the Wild Monkeys at Mt. Huangshan in the Anhui Providence, China. The VWM park is recognized as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and is
home to several troops of Tibetan macaques. Two of these groups are part of an ecotourism program that provides tourists with the opportunity to see the monkeys from human constructed viewing platforms. The monkeys are
provisioned with dried corn at specific times during the day, and the tourists are able to observe the monkeys during these times.
My personal experience through this program provided me with not only the opportunity to see monkeys in their natural habitat but also the chance to better understand the intricacies of the human-monkey relationship. For five
weeks I was able to watch and record the monkeys’ behaviors. My own observations and data focused on the grooming behaviors of the monkeys which allowed me to observe the fragile interactions between members of the
same troop. During this time I witnessed the monkeys’ reaction to the loss of the second-ranking male (he emigrated to another troop); how they integrate a new member into their troop; and the serious injury of an infant, who
ultimately lost the lower portion of his left leg.
The knowledge that I gained from this experience has given me a better understanding of macaque behavior in general. Although there are differences between the species, there are many similarities in their behaviors that
allow me to compare Tibetan macaques with other macaque species such as the long-tailed and Barbary macaques. All of these species have similar vocalization patterns, facial expressions, and group dynamic behaviors.
For example, the flash of the eyelids in all three species indicates a low level threat: “Don’t touch my food!” says Amy (Barbary at OPR). This is the same expression the Tibetan macaques use when the human tourists are
being too loud: “Shut up, I’m eating!” says YeZhen. Another similarity is the purr vocalization Holly, Justin, Ernie, and the others at OPR emit. In many instances this vocalization is used to let members of the group locate each
other. When foraging over a large distance, this same vocalization could be heard among the Tibetan macaques to let the other group members know where each other was located. In this way, the troop is able to maintain a
cohesive relationship.
After observing macaques in the wild I can now appreciate the subtle behaviors that have great meaning among troop members. Each individual has a place in the group and it is up to the others to remind them what that place
is. For instance, among the Tibetan monkeys, juveniles may be punished for getting in the way of the adults. Through this experience I also learned how important group membership is to individual monkeys. Children stay
close to their mothers for the majority of their lives, often grooming the mother or helping look after younger siblings. Juveniles of the same age group grow up together; playing, grooming, and sleeping beside one another.
These types of behaviors are found across all the macaque species and my experience in China reinforced in my mind the importance of human understanding of how special these creatures truly are. I hope to return to China
next summer so that I may follow the monkeys for one more year to see how individuals, as well as the troop dynamics, have changed.
The China Biodiversity and Conservation Field School at Central Washington University provides students with the opportunity to study free living Tibetan macaque monkeys, rare amphibian species, as well as experience
Chinese culture. Field research is conducted at the Valley of the Wild Monkeys at Mt. Huangshan in the Anhui Providence, China. The VWM park is recognized as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and is
home to several troops of Tibetan macaques. Two of these groups are part of an ecotourism program that provides tourists with the opportunity to see the monkeys from human constructed viewing platforms. The monkeys are
provisioned with dried corn at specific times during the day, and the tourists are able to observe the monkeys during these times.
My personal experience through this program provided me with not only the opportunity to see monkeys in their natural habitat but also the chance to better understand the intricacies of the human-monkey relationship. For five
weeks I was able to watch and record the monkeys’ behaviors. My own observations and data focused on the grooming behaviors of the monkeys which allowed me to observe the fragile interactions between members of the
same troop. During this time I witnessed the monkeys’ reaction to the loss of the second-ranking male (he emigrated to another troop); how they integrate a new member into their troop; and the serious injury of an infant, who
ultimately lost the lower portion of his left leg.
The knowledge that I gained from this experience has given me a better understanding of macaque behavior in general. Although there are differences between the species, there are many similarities in their behaviors that
allow me to compare Tibetan macaques with other macaque species such as the long-tailed and Barbary macaques. All of these species have similar vocalization patterns, facial expressions, and group dynamic behaviors.
For example, the flash of the eyelids in all three species indicates a low level threat: “Don’t touch my food!” says Amy (Barbary at OPR). This is the same expression the Tibetan macaques use when the human tourists are
being too loud: “Shut up, I’m eating!” says YeZhen. Another similarity is the purr vocalization Holly, Justin, Ernie, and the others at OPR emit. In many instances this vocalization is used to let members of the group locate each
other. When foraging over a large distance, this same vocalization could be heard among the Tibetan macaques to let the other group members know where each other was located. In this way, the troop is able to maintain a
cohesive relationship.
After observing macaques in the wild I can now appreciate the subtle behaviors that have great meaning among troop members. Each individual has a place in the group and it is up to the others to remind them what that place
is. For instance, among the Tibetan monkeys, juveniles may be punished for getting in the way of the adults. Through this experience I also learned how important group membership is to individual monkeys. Children stay
close to their mothers for the majority of their lives, often grooming the mother or helping look after younger siblings. Juveniles of the same age group grow up together; playing, grooming, and sleeping beside one another.
These types of behaviors are found across all the macaque species and my experience in China reinforced in my mind the importance of human understanding of how special these creatures truly are. I hope to return to China
next summer so that I may follow the monkeys for one more year to see how individuals, as well as the troop dynamics, have changed.
Education inspires action...
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2009 Official Website
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Two unidentified primate species