PLAYFULNESS – A Recipe for Sanctuary

By Breanne Cyr, Primate Behavior Specialist

Chances are that you’ve heard or used terms such as “monkey around”, “monkey bars”, and “monkey in the middle.” If you are somewhat familiar with monkey behavior, you might know why these terms are actually quite fitting – monkeys are playful, goofy, and sometimes a little cheeky!

Play is a natural and necessary behavior for monkeys and other primates. Young monkeys in particular spend a lot of time wrestling, chasing, grooming, and exploring as part of learning social rules, physical coordination, and the world around them. Adult monkeys also engage in playful behaviors to strengthen bonds, reduce stress, and continue learning. Playfulness is actually very important in monkey sanctuaries because it supports both the physical and psychological well-being of primates.

We see various forms of play on a daily basis at the sanctuary – both solitary play and social play with other monkeys or even with caregivers. While monkeys enjoy their actual toys, anything can become a toy or a game with monkeys: a cardboard box that becomes a treasure chest, a stick, a blanket, a pool, or a monkey chow biscuit to toss around before eating (eh-hem…Jojo!). Monkeys are innovative and love to make up their own games. Of course for that same reason, caregivers must be cautious about dropping anything or letting their pockets get too close, as one of the monkeys’ favorite games is to snatch an item and then play “keep away” – all in good fun.

Food puzzles encourage problem-solving and mimic natural foraging behaviors, stimulating both mind and body. Some monkeys, like Noah and Batman, like to play with water and explore what happens when they put objects in their pool or splash around to make mud. Bella and Izzle do lots of exploration using their mirrors to look at themselves and their environment, and several monkeys, especially Jojo, enjoy throwing a bouncing ball against the floor, walls, etc. and chasing it. “Monkey see, monkey do” is also a relevant phrase as monkeys like to mimic what they see others do. For example, walking around with a blanket over their head and trying to maneuver in the environment with arms out started with one monkey, but was eventually picked up by at least two to three other monkeys.

One of the most heartwarming sights at the sanctuary, however, is social play between monkeys. With their mouth open in a relaxed “play face,” and perhaps a few playful bounces, they signal that the interaction is friendly. A chase might break out next, full of quick darts and exaggerated leaps — sometimes loud and dramatic but with great precision leaping and bounding across furniture in the enclosure. Grooming can also turn into play. A grooming session may turn into lighthearted tail-tugging, or gentle batting — all part of strengthening social bonds.

These playful exchanges build trust. For monkeys who once lived alone or in unpredictable environments, learning how to read social cues can take time. When I think of this transformation, I immediately think of Junior, who had never lived with another monkey and was very uncertain about how to interact or interpret social cues of other monkeys. Fast forward a few years, and he was the one teaching Ganesha that friends are fun and safe. Junior now has a strong bond with Rocky, whom he constantly grooms, hangs with, and gently wrestles with.

While Primates Incorporated maintains strict policies to ensure safe and appropriate boundaries (and we would never be in the same enclosure as a monkey), positive human interaction still plays an important role — especially for monkeys who were once pets and are accustomed to human presence. One of Jojo’s favorite games with caregivers is playing “chase” or non-contact “tag” in his outdoor elevated tunnels. Caregivers can run back and forth below his tunnel and chase him or pretend to reach out and get him – and he becomes one thrilled little monkey!

Caregivers also incorporate playful elements into training and enrichment sessions. When given the chance, monkeys are usually eager to do positive reinforcement training (PRT). A training session can quickly feel like a game — filled with curiosity, problem-solving, and anticipation. Importantly, play with humans is always on the monkey’s terms. Sanctuary staff are trained to recognize body language and respect choice. If a monkey walks away, that choice is honored. This respect helps rebuild trust and empowers the animals to feel in control of their environment.

When people think of sanctuary life, they may imagine rescue and rehabilitation — and rightly so. But just as important is this: the chance to relax and just be, as well as the opportunity to play freely, safely, and wholeheartedly.

Here are some of the monkeys favorite ways to play:
Bella – admiring herself in her mirror or playing with Jojo and Gizmo
Jojo – everything is a toy and everyone is a playmate!
Gizmo – chase with Jojo
Izzle – Using mirrors to look at himself, other primates, or around the building.
Batman – food puzzles, “monkeying” with his bedroom structures and seeing if he can remove them
Timon – going down his slide and being Batman’s side-kick
Mars – turning magazines into confetti
Noah – Pools and hose water
Maddie – cuddly toys, especially her pig
Junior – stuffed Tigger, trying to catch grasshoppers outside
Rocky – gentle wrestling with Junior