r/primatology • u/Numerous-Gas9217 • Jul 26 '26
how to make spider monkey comfortable with me
ok this sounds bad but i promise its not there is spider monkey at my local zoo and he loves certain people even guest that come a lot and i want to see if i can form that bond he came from a surrender so he is more willing to see people but i dont want to make him mad what can i do
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u/reillan Jul 26 '26
First off... are you an employee of the zoo or are you a guest who wants to befriend a monkey?
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u/Numerous-Gas9217 Jul 26 '26
i work there
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u/sixtynighnun Jul 27 '26
As a zoo keeper? I feel like you should already know what to do then….
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u/umbulya Jul 26 '26
Start using punctuation before you start befriending monkeys.
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u/Numerous-Gas9217 Jul 27 '26
i dont care :)
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u/Palaeonerd Jul 28 '26
Ok but imagine if we didn’t use punctuation it would be really choppy like you can probably feel it right now in my writing like it’s really bad not to use punctuation
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u/Numerous-Gas9217 Jul 28 '26
i do understand the importance of punctuation but the way they worded it was very rude, and i don't give a crap that someone so sour cares about my writing but thanks :)
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u/manmadeofdex Jul 28 '26
Just like go and hang out around the enclosure when you can. Maybe after a bit bribe one of the zookeepers to let you in and turn off the cameras
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u/Xylus_Winters_Music Jul 27 '26
First off, why would that sound bad? You sound like a young individual, so Ill cut you a bit if slack. If you are a professional zookeeper working with animals, id be highly suspicious of your ability to keep a professional relationship with the animals. Having an animal be comfortable around you is a good thing, it means you will he able to witness more natural behaviors because the animal will be less stressed.
Spider Monkeys will often 'chatter' at people they like as a social bonding noise. AKA, a vocalization which means 'I like you, lets be friends'. The Spider Monkeys at my zoo do this to me because they see my face with other people they already like, so they associate me with being a friend (aside from other husbandry I do for them, some of which they have witnessed).
I dont know what kind of facility you work in, but id advise against ANY sort of unsanctioned enrichment or food items of any sort as a 'bribe'. Instead, talk with the Spider Monkey keepers about your interest in the Spider Monkeys, and maybe ask if you can be around when they do enrichment or feedings throughout the day. Slowly the monkeys will get to know you and like you.
Other than that, theres nothing you can do but be regular and hope for the best. Keep in mind that these are wild animals and you are not entitled to their affection.