07 Oct Howler Monkeys: Saving the Jungle’s Symphony
October’s Animal of the Month that we are highlighting here at Ross Park Zoo are our Howler Monkeys!.
Diego and Carlitta are our two resident Howler Monkeys. They are quite distinctive from one another as Diego, our male, is black in color and larger and Carlitta, our female, is smaller with a golden coloration! Howler monkeys are native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, and northern Argentina. Best known for their loud vocalizations which are usually heard at the beginning and end of each day and can be heard up to 3 miles away. These calls are done to mark out a group’s territory. Howler monkeys are also among the largest monkeys in the New World (Americas).
Many may have heard of the new series that has come about on HBOMax, Chimp Crazy.
The documentary “Chimp Crazy reveals the bonds between owners and their highly intelligent great ape pets, the risks humans take when they raise these animals as members of their family, and the risks to the welfare of the animals themselves.” (https://www.hbo.com/chimp-crazy) The premier of this series now raises a stronger call to action to protect these animals from private ownership in improper care and welfare but also protecting them from the harm of being involved in the entertainment industry. A big step is pushing for the passing of the Captive Primate Safety Act.
The Captive Primate Safety Act has been introduced to Congress to strengthen existing laws by prohibiting the import, export, interstate transportation, possession, and breeding of all primate species for private use, particularly as pets in private homes. More than 15,000 nonhuman primates in the U.S. are currently living in unsuitable conditions such as pets or within the entertainment industry.
Here is how you can help!
Sign up to join a coalition of primate protectors through Lincoln Park Zoo! They provide updates on the Captive Primate Safety Act, template materials for spreading the word, and tools to contact your representatives.
https://www.lpzoo.org/help-us-save-primates
Have a topic of interest? Let us know in the comment section below!
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