Scoop on Primates

Assuming we agree the theory of mind applies to monkeys and apes, what could prevent us from thinking that, much like our early human ancestors, they too lend significance to external phenomena they have no control over?  Thunder, fire, the moon, the sun, waterfalls can stir awe, wonder or fear in humans.  Why couldn't the same natural phenomena stir similar emotions in animals? In "J.T., JR, The Biography of an African Monkey" (1928), Delia J. Akeley , first wife of the famous taxidermist Carl Akeley , recounts her life with J.T. the female vervet monkey she adopted and whom she studied.   She writes: "While the porters were busy cutting down the undergrowth to clear a site for the tents, I gathered an armful of flowers and maidenhair ferns.  I was arranging them in a paraffin tin (my safari vase) when J.T., who was tied to the limb of a tree, attracted my attention by her excited manner and peculiar cries.  In an effort to learn the cause of her agitation I ...

As humans we tend to believe that we can outsmart animals of any kind and when it comes to monkeys and apes, we are generally pretty sure our good looks are not the only determining factor of our superiority. Many have tried over the years to test animal intelligence, but how fair is it? Most tests are based on the use of language and they've all been developed by humans for humans. How can we compare the intelligence of a chimp to that of a capuchin monkey to that of a goat or a pig?   What is intelligence? Howard Gardner talks about multiple forms of intelligence in his book "Frame of Mind, The Theory of Multiple Intelligences" published in 1983.  His work, which is in direct line with that of John Dewey, has had considerable influence on methods of education in the United States. According to Gardner there are nine forms of intelligence :  * naturalist - the ability to discriminate between living entities * musical - the ability to discern sounds, pitch and rythm * ...

The Associated Press reported last week that five people in possession of exotic animal body parts, including gorilla and chimpanzee heads and hands, were arrested in Gabon. The market for exotic animal body parts is varied - some parts are used in rituals, some are used as trophies, others yet are used for meat (refer to Bushmeat post December 2008 on this blog for more info). According to an article published in the Gorilla Journal in 1999 by Angela Meder , even though most people now use western medicine, some traditions are still alive.  For example, eating gorilla meat is believed to transfer the strength of the gorilla to the person consuming it; keeping dried gorilla hands is said to bring good luck. Read:  Gabon arrests 5 found with ape heads and body parts   (AP). Poachers are a reality those dedicated to the conservation of non-human primates have to contend with, however education and solutions to curb down poverty are key. There are many initia...

Monkeys and apes are vulnerable to many of the same diseases that affect humans - such as hepatitis B and C, turberculosis, infections caused by bacteria such as salmonella, parasites, cataract, arthritis, cancer to name but a few. Given the fact that populations in the wild are ever diminishing and human habitats are ever encroaching on the natural habitat of monkeys and apes, it is very important for non-profit groups operating in the field to receive all the veterinary medical help they can get. Access to veterinary supplies is crucial to help these organizations prevent epidemics not only among monkeys and apes but also to stop diseases from potentially spreading to neighboring human populations. However funds are always scarce, this is why the existence of VETS is great news to many non-profit organizations working with non-human primates. The non-profit Project VETS (Veterinary supplies) was started in 2009 by Dr Candy Sayles to help non-profit organizations worldwide. ...

There are many theories that attempt to explain the origins of cooperation in humans.  I am no expert, so I will leave that subject alone.  On the other hand, I am always encouraged when I see examples of altruism, cooperation and fairness in the "animal" world (as if humans were not animals themselves). So, for this posting, I gathered such examples of cooperation between various species of monkeys and great apes.  The end of year celebrations are soon upon us and I thought this subject would be appropriate for the season.  I wish they give you hope and a renewed commitment to protecting our planet and its many inhabitants. Capuchin Monkeys - Cooperation and Fairness Chimpanzees Cooperating for Food Chimpanzees Working Together Bonobos Cooperation Over Food Monkey Intelligence: Japanese Macaque Trick Others To Get More Grooming

On October 19, a 21 year old, 300 pound female chimpanzee named Sueko escaped from the truck she was left in by her owner, and terrorized a Kansas City neighborhood. This lady chimp who apparently lacks in manners, broke a police car windshield, laughed at people and even gave the bird to a policeman.  This was not her first brush with the law, but this may be her last. After being tranquilized she was brought to Monkey Island, where the director, Randy Wisthoff, said he  hopes to turn her back into an ape again. Should we blame the chimp for causing havoc and wanting to paint the town red while she's enjoying a moment of freedom?  Absolutely not. Her owner is to blame.  Not only is he endangering the life of humans, but also that of the very creature he adopted and loves.  However hard this may be, the best thing for Sueko would be to live in a sanctuary, where her owner can visit regularly. As most people should know, the law prohibits individuals in the...

Thank you to all who submitted their drawings to celebrate primates. All the drawings submitted are absolutely fabulous! All these drawings are winners and I had to go back and modify a little the list of prizes in order to accommodate all them. I really love the fact that all these monkeys look really happy and smile... Most detailed and true to life drawing prizes go to:   Hailey, Elana, Cynthia, Loris and Celio. Hailey's drawing depicts three of the four great apes:  chimpanzee, gorilla and orangutan.  The fourth great ape missing from this drawing is the bonobo.  I love the expression on the face of each of these great apes.  Great work Hailey! Cynthia's drawing is just exploding with colors and the monkey in the center looks like a very happy individual.  He lives in a very green and sunny environment and his eyes are just beaming.  Beautiful work, Cynthia! Elana's drawing is also very colorful.  Her monkey is happy and seems to ...