Winter 2006

Annual Report now available!

The latest Annual Report from The Monkey Sanctuary Trust is now available as an online interactive version or as a complete PDF (3.5MB) download. Read all about our work over the last financial year.

Love is definitely in the air...

We have often tried to explain some of the complexities of capuchin social life, and the story of Frosty, the oldest black-capped male capuchin and his new black-capped friends. For new members, here’s a little catch up – Frosty was the first non-woolly monkey to live here at MST and for 4 years was the only black–cap. Although he socialised regularly with Gary, Coco and Chanel, he never really spoke their language and we were never totally happy that he had any real friends, let alone a girlfriend.

His life was turned upside down this time last year with the arrival of three black-capped females from Norfolk, and we hoped Frosty would happily spend time with them. Unfortunately his social skills were not too hot, and he was incredibly shy. He was uncomfortable spending time with all three and only really seemed at ease with Mickey, the most submissive of them. Jackie, the youngest of the three (whose ex-owner had thought was a boy for over 10 years), constantly flirted with him, but Frosty was overwhelmed by this attention and refused to co-operate with her ardent loving requests. At the time of writing the last newsletter this was the scene, Frosty running desperately away from Jackie as she chased him, flirting equally as desperately.

Then, one Friday morning when we had almost given up hope, something clicked in Frosty; he realised what he was meant to do and finally Jackie got her wicked way! Two extremely ‘busy’ days followed with lots of love going on between Frosty and Jackie (much to the disgust of all the other capuchins!) and this eventually calmed down after their initial excitement. As a consequence this means he is much happier and calmer spending time with all three ladies, and enjoying all the benefits such as chatting and socialising. We have seen a massive change in Jackie too, who used to spend a lot of time pacing and head-twisting (one of the many stereotypical behaviours that captive capuchins can develop), and she is just so much calmer, sitting quietly with Frosty, not pacing at all when they are together. Tanya sometimes tries a little come on to him too, and he flirts back, but Jackie is the one he mates with. It is not just the physical side of love though, as for the first time in years Frosty can be understood and understand completely all the social signals and communications. Their relationship also includes mutual grooming, spring onion rubs and of course, a friend to curl up with in the bunk at night. Frosty has never had this opportunity since his arrival at the rescue centre, as no one has wanted to share with him overnight. Now we can’t separate them! Just last week I saw them have a chuckle together, no one here has seen Jackie play before and Frosty has been seen only rarely playing. It was a wonderful sight.

Young Charlie Brown also spends time in this group and although Tanya, Mickey and Jackie are not terribly nice to him, Frosty does not pick a side against him. In fact often when they are ganging up on Charlie, Frosty will call Jackie back with a sexy-come on and she will leave Charlie be.

There is no doubt that these capuchin friendships are evolving and changing constantly, and as keepers it is up to us to be as responsive to their needs and flexible in giving them the opportunities they need to grow; physically, mentally and socially. Though at the end of the day, the capuchins are doing it for, and by, themselves.