Join us for International Macaque Week
1-7 May 2024
It’s International Macaque Week from 1-7 May! The purpose is to raise awareness of these amazing primates that face persecution. And Monkey Haven is joining in the campaign.
There are over 20 species of macaques and we care for two of them at our sanctuary – the Rhesus and the Barbary. Let us introduce you…
Barbary Macaques
These mischievous monkeys are mainly found in the mountains of Northern Africa but you can also find them on the Rock of Gibraltar where they’re the only monkeys living in the wild in Europe. They live in troops of up to 100. There’s a female boss at the top and every one else knows their place – the more closely they’re related to her, the higher their status.
We care for two lovely ladies – Yilda and Mounia – who were both rescued from the illegal pet trade.
Guess what…
- Barbary macaques are also known as the Barbary ape – although they’re not apes, they’re monkeys. However they do have something in common with apes, as they don’t have tails.
- Both males and females help out with the childcare, even if they’re not related to the babies. This is called ‘alloparental care’.
Rhesus Macaques
These playful monkeys live in troops of up to 200 in the wild, mainly in South, Central and Southeast Asia. The females run the show and how important a monkey is within the group will depend on who their mum is. They communicate by pulling faces, striking poses, and making noises such as cooing and grunting.
We’ve got our hands full caring for five of these trouble-makers… Dray, Spok, Hobo, Tammy and Minka. They love larking around, causing chaos, making a mess, and trying to steal the animal carers’ keys!
Guess what…
- Rhesus macaques share 93% of our DNA – around 25 million years ago we would have been the same species!
- These monkeys have no fear of water and will swim across huge rivers to find food. Even the babies are good swimmers. Much bigger, stronger primates (such as gorillas) typically refuse to cross water.
Join us over the bank holiday weekend when we’ll paying special attention to the macaques. And on bank holiday Monday (6 May) we’ll be celebrating Minka the Rhesus macaque’s 13th birthday. Look at how she’s grown up!
