THE LOSS OF A HIGHER RANKING FEMALE MACAQUE

THE LOSS OF A HIGHER RANKING FEMALE MACAQUE

Macaques live in troops with a female-bonded social structure. Females do not leave their natal group, whereas males leave as they mature. Troops usually have an alpha male, but social bonds between females exceed those between males. Hierarchal rankings are important to the social structure of macaques. Macaques are nepotistic, meaning daughters inherit the rank of their mother.

Marissa was a higher ranked female macaque from the Lornie Troop. Sadly, she was found bleeding and unconscious in MacRitchie Reservoir Park on 10 October 2015, amid the North Face Run. Concerned runners and supporters immediately contacted the ACRES 24-Hour Wildlife Rescue Hotline.

Upon close veterinary examination, we concluded that Marissa probably fell from a great height and suffered from massive internal bleeding. Her body went into shock and started developing seizures. In the same way that the loss of an alpha male has major consequences, the loss of a higher ranking female like Marissa also brings about a cascading effect to the family.

This video reminds us that the loss of a family member is detrimental to these highly intelligent macaques who appear, like us, to be capable of feeling emotional pain and anguish.

ACRES would like to thank the runners and supporters from the North Face Run for showing compassion, and to Dr Ly and team from Animal Recovery Veterinary Referral Centre for attending to Marissa.

#ACRES #SaveSgMonkeys

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/videos/10153273273296523/

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ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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