When Primarily Primates commits to the holistic lifelong care of a new resident, we mean it. Our care staff provides each animal with everything they need to be happy, including the appropriate social stimulation for their species and personality. Just like human primates, these animals can be shy, extroverted, curious, quiet observers, troublemakers or peacemakers, to mention a few traits!
In the wild, most primates love companionship. They participate in communal activities such as feeding, grooming, traveling, resting, and play, which determine their position in the hierarchy of their troop. Each day holds new, interesting challenges. That’s why in sanctuaries they need friends and change, too.
We strive to have our residents benefit from same-species companionship. Sometimes it takes time to build social groups because our residents have diverse backgrounds.
In the wild, primates are born into their social group or naturally assimilate into another family in search of a mate. At PPI, we put individuals together who seem suited for each other. This entire process can take weeks, or even several months, to complete.
First we move the potential new friends into adjacent enclosures so they can get to know each other from a distance. If we observe positive behaviors, such as showing curiosity, we continue the introduction. Typically we move the new friends closer together and reduce the number of barriers between them until we are sure they would love to be each other’s “forever family.”
One of the final steps usually involves some form of tactile contact—they are allowed to reach through the last barrier and touch one other with their fingertips together or groom each other’s hands and arms. As long as all interaction remains favorable, they will be put together in the same enclosure.
Because the safety of each animal is at risk if their interaction becomes unfriendly, animal care staff is always ready with protective equipment to stop any kind of aggressive behavior or fighting. Veterinary staff is also ready to intervene in case of injury.
Most introductions result in joyful sounds like pant-hoots and chatters. It is music to our ears! Despite the long hours and intense preparations involved, we gladly put in the effort.
"Our goal is not to just provide each resident with someone ‘they can live with,’” said PPI Executive Director Krystal Mathis. “Our goal is to provide them with lifelong friends and family.”