By Breanne Cyr, Primate Behavior Specialist
Perseverance: It’s a trait many of us constantly strive for as humans. However, it is not a uniquely human trait. We see evidence of perseverance in monkeys all the time at Primates Incorporated. Whether the monkeys are solving enrichment puzzles, navigating social relationships, or working together to avoid shifting indoors at night, our residents continuously show diligence, resourcefulness, and intelligence. Of course, perseverance is also critical for humans to keep a sanctuary up and running.
One of the clearest examples of perseverance at the sanctuary can be seen through enrichment activities. Enrichment devices encourage natural behaviors and provide mental stimulation for the monkeys. Some devices require the monkeys to diligently manipulate objects, solve puzzles, or search carefully for hidden treats. While enrichment sometimes involves food rewards, monkeys like Batman also just enjoy a good intellectual puzzle mixed with a little monkey mischief – for example “How do I unscrew and unclip my swing from the ceiling?” While each monkey has a different level of food motivation, curiosity, and patience, many monkeys continue trying different strategies for their task until they succeed.
Perseverance is also visible in the monkeys’ social interactions. Monkeys are highly social animals, and living in a group requires cooperation and communication. At times, the monkeys at the sanctuary work together in unique ways, such as when staff members need them to shift indoors for the night. Bella and Jojo (and sometimes Gizmo), for example, have developed a cooperative method to try to delay their bedtime. They take turns sitting in the doorway to their outdoor enclosure, successfully preventing care staff from closing off outdoor access. One monkey will grab food to bring back to the doorway to eat, which allows the other monkey to then leave and do the same – rotating who is on guard to prevent staff from being able to shut the door. This can create a playful challenge for caregivers, but is remarkably creative working together for a common goal. Although staff ultimately ensure the monkeys safely shift indoors, situations like these reinforce monkeys’ creativity, awareness, and determination to maintain control over their environment.
Another example of perseverance can be seen when monkeys learn new routines or adapt to changes. Sanctuary life includes veterinary care, positive reinforcement training, and sometimes adjustments to habitats or social groups. Some monkeys may initially feel unsure or nervous about new experiences. However, through patience and practice, many learn to participate willingly in training sessions or adapt to new habitat or enrichment opportunities. For example, when Jojo was younger, it was difficult to get him to stay in one spot in order to do PRT. He would grab anything you put near him. In fact, he is the culprit of the original broken scale as he decided it would be a fun game to pick it up and throw it – despite his small size! Eventually, through perseverance by staff (and Jojo), staff were able to get him to sit for longer periods to do training. Fast forward to today, and Jojo will willingly sit on the scale and he is probably our #1 participant for injection training. He sees a syringe and will automatically present his arm or leg for a poke with a blunted needle. Not only that, Gizmo has now played “monkey see, monkey do” and has suddenly learned to present as well. This training is important for providing them medical care in the least invasive and stressful way possible.
Perseverance also strengthens the bonds between humans and animals. Caregivers must remain patient and observant, customizing their approach and care style for each monkey since each monkey learns and responds differently. As a result, the monkeys learn to trust the people caring for them. This mutual perseverance helps create a safe and enriching environment where the monkeys can thrive physically and emotionally.
Bella has endured some health challenges as she ages. Despite these challenges, she lives life to the fullest. Most people are surprised to learn that she is our oldest resident since she is still active and young at heart. Sometimes, she will persist in “asking” for her favorite food – cooked sweet potatoes – to help fuel her ever so sweet personality.
Ultimately, perseverance in monkeys is about much more than solving puzzles or avoiding bedtime. It reflects their intelligence, emotional depth, and strong social connections. It’s also a reminder that perseverance is a universal quality that helps both humans and animals overcome challenges and continue growing.
Bella
Eating food in the doorway:
Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
This sweet potato pie recipe was shared with me by a special friend in Atlanta, GA. It has long been a favorite, and everyone who tastes it says it is the best they’ve ever had! Perfect for the holiday season.
(View Vegan Version Here.)
Ingredients:
- 1 (1-pound) sweet potato, with skin
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Directions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Place the whole sweet potato in a pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Boil until tender when pierced with a fork, 40 to 50 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the sweet potato from the pot and run it under cold water. Remove and discard the skin. Break the sweet potato flesh apart and place it in a bowl. Add butter and mix with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Add sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla; beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth.
- Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes. Cool completely before serving.