THE PRIMATE HOUSE, No. 17.
The Primates are the four-handed animals belonging to the zoological order called by that name, which includes man, the anthropoid apes both great and small, the baboons, monkeys and lemurs. The word “monkey” is by no means sufficiently comprehensive to embrace all these forms. Were it otherwise, this building would be called, officially, the Monkey House.
The Primates include the creatures which stand nearest to man in the zoological scale, and in interest to all classes of humanity they stand above all others. There is no intelligent person, civilized or savage, to whom the humanlikeness of apes and monkeys does not appeal. On the other hand, some of the baboons are in feature and temper so thoroughly beast-like, their diabolism is almost as fascinating as the man-like character of the great apes. The variety of forms in the Order Primates, and the wide differences between the various groups, imperatively demand, for the proper representation of this Order, a large collection.
The Primate House was erected in 1901, at a cost of $65,000, and opened to the public on December 22d, of that year. It is 162 feet in length, 74 feet in width, contains 16 large interior cages, 22 small cages, and 11 exterior cages, two of which are of great size. The points of special excellence in this building are as follows: An abundance of room for the animals, an abundance of sunlight, perfect ventilation, an extensive series of open-air cages, freedom of communication between outside and inside cages, floors and walls impervious to moisture and disease germs, and the absence of iron bars from all cages save three.
During the months of mild weather, all the inmates of the large interior cages occupy, at will, corresponding cages in the outdoor series. It is also intended that certain hardy species of baboons, and the red-faced monkey of Japan, shall be provided with comfortable sleeping quarters and live outdoors, every winter. It is believed that they can do this, not only with comfort, but with great physical benefit.
For general convenience, and the promotion of a universal understanding of the primates, we propose to set them forth in four groups, a subdivision strictly according to Nature, readily comprehended, and easily remembered They are as follows, with typical examples of each:
| I. Anthropoid Apes. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee | Anthropopithecus calvus | of | Africa. |
| Orang-Utan | Simia satyrus | “ | Borneo. |
| Gray Gibbon | Hylobates leuciscus | “ | “ |
| II. Old World Monkeys and Baboons. | |||
| Mona Monkey | Cercopithecus mona | “ | Africa. |
| White-Collared Mangabey | Cercocebus collaris | “ | “ |
| Magot: Barbary “Ape” | Macacus inuus | “ | N. Africa. |
| Japanese Red-Faced Monkey | “fuscatus | “ | Japan. |
| Pig-Tailed Monkey | “nemestrinus | “ | E. India. |
| Rhesus Monkey | “rhesus | “ | India. |
| Entellus Monkey | “entellus | “ | “ |
| Black “Ape” | Cynopithecus niger | “ | Celebes. |
| Golden Baboon | Papio babuin | “ | N. Africa. |
| Hamadryas | “hamadryas | “ | Arabia. |
| Mandrill | “mormon | “ | W. Africa. |
| Gelada | Theropithecus gelada | “ | Abyssinia. |
| III. New World Monkeys. | |||
| White-Throated Sapajou | Cebus hypoleucus | “ | S. America. |
| Red-Faced Spider Monkey | Ateles paniscus | “ | “ “ |
| White-Headed Saki | Pithecia leucocephala | “ | “ “ |
| Yarkee: Short-Tailed Monkey | Brachyurus calva | “ | “ “ |
| Squirrel Monkey | Chrysothrix sciurea | “ | “ “ |
| Common Marmoset | Hapale jacchus | “ | “ “ |
| Douroucoli | Nyctipithecus trivirgatus | “ | “ “ |
| IV. Lemurs and Lemuroids. | |||
| Ring-Tailed Lemur | Lemur catta | “ | Madagascar. |
| Indri | Indri brevicaudata | “ | India. |
| Galago | Galago galago | “ | Madagascar. |
| Slow Lemur | Nycticebus tardigradus | “ | Madagascar. |
| Aye-Aye | Cheiromys madagascariensis | “ | India. |
CHIMPANZEE BALDY.
Nearly all the above-named species are now living in the Primate House, besides which there are many others. So far as the available supply of captive primates will permit, these typical species will constantly be kept on exhibition, together with many others equally interesting. In this small volume it is possible to notice only the most important forms.
The Gorilla, (Gorilla savagei), of equatorial West Africa, is the largest and ugliest of the great apes, walks erect, and in form of body and limbs, it most resembles man. Its brain, however, is less man-like than that of the chimpanzee and orang-utan. It is very rarely seen in captivity. The only specimen which up to 1911 had reached America alive lived but five days after its arrival. Despite the fact that these creatures seldom live in captivity longer than a few months, they are always being sought by zoological gardens. The agents of the New York Zoological Society are constantly on the watch for an opportunity to procure and send hither a good specimen of this wonderful creature; and whenever one arrives, all persons interested are advised to see it immediately,—before it dies of sullenness, lack of exercise, and indigestion.
The Orang-Utan is intellectually superior to the gorilla, and is equalled only by the chimpanzee. Unfortunately, as a rule, none of the great apes are long-lived in captivity, and in zoological gardens they come and go. For this reason, it is seldom that an adult specimen, 4 feet in height, and weighing 150 pounds, is seen in captivity. Among other apes, the Orang-Utan is readily recognized by its brown skin, red hair and small ears.
In disposition this creature is naturally docile and affectionate. It is fond of the society of human beings, takes to training with wonderful readiness and success, and young specimens can easily be taught to wear clothes, sit at table, and eat with spoon and fork. In the summer of 1911, the daily open-air exhibition of nine apes dining at 4 o’clock on an elevated platform in the large outside cage at the Primate House, will long be remembered by the crowds of visitors who saw it. Such exhibitions are entirely germane to the educational purposes of a zoological garden or park, for they illustrate the mentality of animals and their wonderful likeness to man, far more forcibly than the best printed statements.
The north hall of the Primate House is specially intended for the anthropoid apes, and it is not likely that any lengthy periods will elapse during which it contains neither orang-utans nor chimpanzees.
ORANG-UTAN.
The Chimpanzee, (Anthropopithecus calvus), of equatorial Africa from the west coast to the central lake region, is quite as common in captivity as the orang-utan. Both structurally and mentally this animal is very much like the orang-utan, and for keenness of intellect and susceptibility to training, it is second to none of the animals lower than man. A Chimpanzee is easily recognized by its black hair and large ears. There are two or three species.
The Gibbon shows off to poor advantage in a cage, but in the tree-tops it is a wonderful creature. It is like a long-armed skeleton clothed with skin and hair, animated by the spirit of an Ariel. In its home in the jungles of Borneo and southeastern Asia, it dwells in hilly forests, and never descends to the earth. When attacked, it flees down-hill, if possible, and it seems actually to fly through the tree-tops. It boldly flings itself forward through space, grasps with its hands the first available branch, swings underneath, feet foremost, and after another flight presently catches with its feet, thus actually making revolutions as it goes. Its progress is so swift and so silent that successful pursuit is impossible to any enemy not provided with wings.
This animal is naturally very timid, but does not hesitate to expose itself to mortal danger when its young are in distress. In captivity gibbons are shy and nervous, and take life very seriously.
HUMBOLDT WOOLLY MONKEY.
Old-World Monkeys.
The Baboons have been specially designed by Nature for life upon the ground, surrounded by dangerous enemies. But for their big canine teeth, their fierce tempers and bull-dog courage, backed by a fine combination of strength and agility, the lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals of Africa would have exterminated them all, ages ago. They were not formed to become hand-organ beasts of burden, nor even companions to man, but rather to fight off their enemies, and bluff even the king of beasts when occasion requires. In captivity, their strength and ferocity always inspires respect, and sometimes genuine terror. At all times they require to be treated as dangerous animals.
Of the various species of baboons on exhibition in the Primate House, the full-grown Mandrill is the most interesting, and wonderful. It seems like an animal not of this earth, and reminds the visitor of one of the great beasts of the visions of St. John the Divine. The home of this species is in West Africa, and it is found from Senegambia to the Congo. The long shaggy hair, lion-like appearance, the peculiar color markings of the face, and the indescribable grimaces, instantly fix the attention of every visitor.
The Hamadryas Baboon, with long side whiskers and cape of long hair, is one of the handsomest animals of this group. Its explosive, ear-racking cry is almost as startling to visitors as a cannon-shot.
The Golden Baboon has the liveliest disposition and the best temper possessed by any baboon. Young specimens are full of good-natured mischief, and are much given to hectoring their cage-mates. The Long-Armed Yellow Baboon is quite at home in the Primate House, and has bred here. It is a good species to keep in captivity.
The Group of Old World Monkeys, in addition to the baboons, contains several species worthy of special remark. There are some which have tails so very short and insignificant that they seem to be tailless, and several of them are called “apes.” They are not true anthropoids (manlike apes), however, and it is a confusing error to designate any of them as “apes.” The species referred to are the following:
The Black “Ape,” of Celebes, exceedingly like a true baboon.
The Magot, or Barbary “Ape,” of North Africa and Gibraltar, which is a true macaque.
The Japanese Red-Faced Monkey, another macaque, with a brilliant red face, and long, thick coat of hair, which enables it to live out of doors all winter, even in this Zoological Park.
The Pig-Tailed Monkey, several species of which are found in Burma and other portions of southeastern Asia.
All the above are on exhibition in the Primate House, and the outdoor cages.
The Rhesus Monkey, of India, is one of the sacred species, and ages of immunity from molestation, or even wholesome discipline, have made this animal aggressive and domineering in temper.
The Bonneted Macaque is the best-tempered monkey of all the monkey species found in the East Indies, and it is by far the best to keep as a pet.
The Entellus Monkey, of India, is also a sacred species, and its natural seriousness of manner, and dignified bearing, quite befit the direct descendants of the original Hunuman, or monkey deity of the Hindoos, who helped to build Adam’s Bridge.
Of the many African monkeys, some of the most showy (such as the Guerzas and Colobos) are so difficult to procure they can not be set forth as permanent residents in the Primate House. The following species, however, may be classed with the reliables:
The White-Collared Mangabey and Sooty Mangabey are both so lively, so good-natured, and so free from the fighting habit, they are prime favorites with everybody.
The Mona Monkey is handsome and easily kept, and an excellent representative of the great African genus Cercopithecus.
The Green Monkey and the Vervet are lively but quarrelsome, and at times become dangerous. The Patas, or Red Monkey, is very sedate, and makes a good cage-mate for the mona.
The New World Monkeys, even at their best, never make a strong showing in a vivarium. The trouble is that many of the most interesting species are so delicate it is impossible to keep them alive in captivity. Fame awaits the man who can discover a bill of fare on which Howling Monkeys, Sakis and Yarkees can live in captivity to old age, and repay their cost and care. Their digestive organs are delicate, and are subject to derangement from causes so slight they can not be reckoned with.
The Sapajous are the hardiest, the most intelligent and in some respects the most interesting of the New World monkeys. They all possess the prehensile (or grasping) tail, which is not found on any Old World monkey, and the use made of it is a constant source of wonder. Monkeys of this species are quite common in captivity, and their wrinkled brows and serious countenances give them an appearance of being burdened with cares,—which most captive monkeys certainly are! These are the unfortunate creatures which so often come to grief on hand-organs.
The Black Spider Monkey and the Gray Spider Monkey represent a genus of animals quite as attenuated in form as the gibbons. Their slender bodies, exceedingly long and slender legs and tail,—the latter strongly prehensile, and better than a fifth arm and hand,—give them when in the tree-tops an appearance truly spider-like. They are agile climbers, but not rapid runners, and having no means of defense are very timid. Their stomachs are so simple they seem to lack some element or function that is necessary to the life of the animal in captivity. Notwithstanding the fact that “Jess,” of Bath, New York, in defiance of all laws and precedents, lived thirteen years in a cold climate, the great majority of spider monkeys die before they reach full maturity, and nearly always of stomach troubles. Fortunately, however, there are exceptions to this rule.
JAPANESE RED-FACED MONKEY.
PIG-TAILED MACAQUE.
The Squirrel Monkey, often called a “Marmoset,” is a pretty little olive-yellow monkey, almost as delicate as the true Marmoset, and the Pinche. These diminutive creatures are so delicate they require the greatest care and tenderness, and thrive better in moderately small cages than in large ones. True marmosets are the smallest of American primates, being next in size to the Tarsier, of Borneo, smallest of all quadrumanes.
The Lemurs and Lemuroids.—A lemur is a monkey-like animal belonging to the lowest group of primates, but in some respects is so little like a typical monkey that the relationship is not always apparent. There are about thirty species, and all save a very few are found on the Island of Madagascar. They are gentle-spirited, harmless and inoffensive animals, and not being persecuted by their human neighbors, as all American wild animals are, they are quite numerous.
Nearly all the Lemurs have long tails, long and fine hair, large eyes and pointed muzzles. Many of them are strikingly colored in various shades of black, white and gray. All Lemurs are supposed to be of nocturnal habit, and in fact they really are; but the specimens in the large jungle cage of the Primate House are quite as lively and interesting in the daytime as most of the monkeys. So far from manifesting a disposition to retire to dark corners, they love to lie in the sunshine.
SLOW LEMUR.
SIAMANG.
The Ruffed Lemur, or Black-and-White Lemur, (Lemur varia), is the handsomest member of this entire group. Its fur is very long, silky, and alternately pure white and jet black. The Ring-Tailed Lemur has a very long, pointed tail, ornamented with about 25 alternating rings of brown and gray, which it carries very gracefully. This species is of a more lively disposition than most others. The curious Indri has not up to this time come into the collection, but it is expected in the near future. When it arrives it can at once be recognized by the entire absence of a tail, except a mere stump, and by its large hands and feet.