|
 AAP provides a tranquil shelter and medical care. But apart from that, the animals often need to learn how to live with their own kind.
Primates are social animals and live in groups. At AAP they are housed in groups, so they can learn from each other. This process, which is called 'resocialisation', takes place in our Primate hall. A monkey that comes from quarantine, at first is placed besides other monkeys of his kind. Only when there is positive interaction, the caretakers try to put the new animal together with the group.  Learning monkey rules
Many monkeys have never seen another monkey. Their group members teach them the rules of behaviour. Many fights and quarrels are necessary before a new member knows his place in the hierarchy and knows how to behave himself. Most monkeys also have to get rid of old habits. Especially former pets ask the attention of people, while ignoring their group members. This is why we do not give our monkeys individual attention. Tiny cages or solitude can also result into abnormal behaviour, such as self mutilation and stereotyped behaviour. To get rid of abnormal behaviour, distraction, like food puzzles, playing material and the company of other monkeys is necessary. All monkeys are observed on a regular basis to keep track of their resocialisation. The older the monkey and the more miserable his history, the longer it will take before he can be placed in a group. Nevertheless, with much patience and attention, it almost always succeeds in the end.
|
