By Animal Care Manager Fallon Mullen and Primate Behavior Specialist Breanne Cyr
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (or in the enclosure furthest from Izzle’s), lived a fair dame named Maddie.
Izzle has always kept a close eye on all the monkey residents, but there was something especially captivating about Maddie. For years, Izzle would adoringly watch her, lip-smack at her any chance he got when she made eye contact, and become upset whenever she was out of sight. Meanwhile, Maddie and Noah, who were surrendered from the pet trade together, had been living together for most of their lives. This made us all believe that Izzle could never be granted his greatest wish: being housed with Miss Maddie.
Just like humans, monkey dynamics are ever-changing. Some groups stay together forever, while others naturally drift apart. Staff carefully observe all groups and individuals daily to ensure the maximum well-being of every resident. We began noticing that Maddie and Noah, who had been sharing an enclosure, were not as close as they once were. They used to spend their days side by side, grooming each other, and eating right next to one another. Over time, however, we observed that they were spending less and less time in close proximity while having an increasing number of scuffles with one another.
This made us wonder if it might be better for their welfare to attempt “familiarizations” with other monkey residents.
Many sanctuaries have different approaches to familiarizations. At Primates Inc., we use our elevated tunnels with a fork system so that monkey compatibility can be assessed by allowing two monkeys to be in close proximity to one another without direct contact. We look for positive behaviors such as lip-smacking, presenting for grooming, and manipulating enrichment without aggression. Because rhesus macaques often have a strict dominance hierarchy, we also watch for signs that they have figured out who will be dominant and who will be submissive before they have full contact where figuring out those logistics is more dangerous.
When Maddie and Izzle underwent their familiarization, it was clear that Izzle was over the moon. Maddie, having only ever been housed with Noah, was a bit apprehensive, but she was also clearly interested in Izzle – even giving him her sweet “tummy grab” gesture of approval which is reserved only for special primates at special times.
After a couple of familiarizations, Izzle was finally granted his wish.
Maddie and Izzle’s introduction was seamless… and comical!
Every time Maddie approached Izzle, he would acknowledge her and then quickly scurry away, as if to say, “Oops, excuse me, ma’am.” Being such a big and assertive guy, his shyness was an adorable surprise to everyone.
Any time Maddie presented for grooming, Izzle would lip-smack at her, turn his head like a proper gentleman, and then… walk away.
Bold and brave little Maddie was now the one with a wish — to be able to groom Izzle’s infamous, beautiful long locks. She now looked longingly at him until she eventually wore him down and the two finally had a successful grooming session!
The two continue to get to know one another as roommates, and we’re hoping they live happily ever after. 🐒💚
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[ Now you may be wondering, “Well, where is Noah now?!” Noah now has an enclosure that shares mesh walls with Mars. Mars and Noah were much more uncertain about sharing the same enclosure and having full access to one another, despite being friendly to one another as neighbors. They were basically telling us that they could be friends, but not THAT good of friends. They both like having their own territory next to each other while still being able to safely socialize and play through the mesh. Noah has become much calmer and less aggressive since the move away from Maddie, so he is also living happily ever after as a lone prince. ]
