Meet Jojo: Our Playful Green Monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus)
By Primate Caretaker, Jaci Jerome
Jojo is our resident green monkey who came to us at just 1 year old as a former pet.
Now nearly 7 years old, he’s spent most of his life thriving in sanctuary! Jojo is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and affection, with a special bond he found at Primates Inc: his best friend and mentor, Bella, a gentle 23-year-old vervet monkey.
Though Jojo and Bella are technically different species, they both belong to the genus Chlorocebus. The similarities between them allowed their bond to form quickly and naturally. Green monkeys were actually once considered a subspecies of vervet monkeys. Both species are native to sub-Saharan Africa, share similar diets, and exhibit comparable social behaviors.
In the wild, these monkeys live in complex, matrilineal (female-dominated) groups called troops, which can range from 8 to over 150 members. This dynamic holds true even in our small troop of two,” where Bella is definitely the boss! During meals, Jojo patiently waits beneath her, never touching her leftovers until she signals she’s finished. He also takes excellent care of her, grooming her whenever she requests it. Bella also eagerly reciprocates and grooms Jojo.
Jojo is the resident whirlwind of energy in the monkey building! In the mornings, he literally bounces off the walls in excitement for breakfast and caregiver attention. His youthful antics sometimes earn him a scolding from the older monkeys, who prefer quieter mornings.Bella, despite being our oldest resident, has always been very patient with Jojo’s high energy.
To keep him engaged, caregivers provide enriching toys and climbing structures. Some of his
favorites include:
● A colorful plush ball with a rattle inside
● A firefly toy
● Slides and hanging furniture for acrobatic fun
From his heartwarming bond with Bella to his comedic antics, Jojo reminds us daily why sanctuary life matters. His story is one of resilience, friendship, and the sheer delight of being himself.
Want to support Jojo’s care? Consider checking out our amazon wishlist, or donating to us directly to help us keep his world full of toys, treats, and love!
