Vervet Monkeys and Their Behavior

In South Africa, vervet monkeys often clash with humans, leading to injuries and orphaned monkeys. The Bambalela Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Center rescues and rehabilitates these monkeys, releasing them when possible. Some monkeys, unable to return to the wild, live in a retirement home managed by Belinda Langlois. These monkeys, often former pets, have lost their fear of humans. The center also observes social hierarchies among the monkeys, with dominant males like Rambo asserting control. Interestingly, feral cats have integrated into the monkey enclosure, forming a unique bond with the monkeys, who groom and interact with them.

What is the primary goal of the Bambalela Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Center?

• To train monkeys for entertainment

• To sell monkeys as pets

• To rescue, rehabilitate, and release monkeys

• To breed monkeys for research

Why can't some vervet monkeys return to the wild?

• They are too dependent on human food

• They are too old

• They have lost their natural fear of humans

• They are too aggressive

What is a common characteristic of the monkeys in the retirement home?

• They have had their canines removed

• They are all young

• They are all wild-born

• They are all female

How do dominant male vervet monkeys behave in captivity?

• They often fight to keep treats for themselves

• They share treats with others

• They avoid other monkeys

• They are submissive to females

What is Rambo's role in the vervet monkey troop?

• He is the youngest monkey

• He is the most submissive monkey

• He is the caretaker

• He is the dominant male

What activities do monkeys engage in to reduce tension?

• Playing with toys

• Grooming and snacking

• Sleeping

• Fighting

How did the cats become part of the monkey enclosure?

• They were placed there by the staff

• They entered through drainage holes

• They were born there

• They were brought in by visitors

What was the initial reaction of the monkeys to the cats?

• They were afraid of them

• They welcomed them

• They were aggressive towards them

• They ignored them

Why do the cats prefer living in the monkey enclosure?

• They have no other place to go

• They are afraid of the outside world

• They enjoy the attention from the monkeys

• They are fed by the staff

What unique behavior do the monkeys exhibit with the cats?

• They ignore the cats

• They groom the cats

• They chase the cats away

• They compete with the cats for food