The wonderful world of primates

As one of Zoos Victoria’s crowd favourites, primates are a complex order of creatures that are closely related to humans.

WORDS Jo Stewart

What do humans, lemurs, gorillas, orangutans and baboons have in common? We’re all primates that evolved from a common ancestor many millions of years ago.

Despite all being classified as primates, humans, apes and monkeys are vastly different species – with humans sharing the most characteristics with apes. We both have long life spans, large brains relative to our body size, are able to form close social bonds and use vision more than our sense of smell.

So how can you tell apes apart from other primates like lemurs and monkeys? Apes don’t have a tail, tend to sit upright and are usually bigger than other primates.

There are hundreds of different primate species and some can be found at Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

So, who’s who in the zoo?

Melbourne Zoo’s Gorilla Rainforest is home to the Western Lowland Gorilla, White-cheeked Gibbon, Black-handed Spider Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Cotton-top Tamarin and Ring-tailed Lemur. Elsewhere in the Zoo there’s siamangs, orang-utans and Hamadryas Baboons. Werribee Open Range Zoo is home to Western Lowland Gorillas and troops of Vervet Monkeys. While they all belong to the same order, each species of primate has unique physical characteristics and behavioural tendencies.

“The siamangs and gibbons are the noisiest. We love to hear their duets ring out across the Zoo,” says Fleur Butcher, Primate Keeper at Melbourne Zoo.

While the siamangs and gibbons might be the loudest, another species takes the title for being the cheekiest.

“The baboons are constantly playing, jumping on each other and pulling each other’s tails. Juju holds a special place in

Did you know?

Lemurs are part of a group called prosimian primates – because they have characteristics that are more primitive than simians (which includes monkeys, apes and humans). There are many species of lemur.

my heart and can be very cheeky, stealing other baboons’ treats from Keepers.”

Orang-utans tend to be more chilled out; although, it’s Madagascar’s native primates that take calm to the next level.

“Our lemur boys are very relaxed and comfortable with visitors moving through their space. They have safe zones if they need some time out,” says Fleur.

Game on!

As intelligent, curious creatures, a busy and entertained primate is a happy primate. That’s why Keepers provide a variety of enriching activities and games to challenge their inquisitive minds.

Hiding food in ice blocks encourages primates to solve problems. The zoo has even used technology to help some of the primates stay connected during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

“I set up Zoom sessions with our orang-utans and orang-utans in another zoo. I’ve also started weekly art sessions with the orang-utans and artist Pamela Conder,” explains Fleur.

Despite needing interaction, like humans, primates also have ‘doona days’.

“Our primates love sunny, warm weather. Most of them will choose to remain in their warm dens when it rains. Our great apes will even cover up with a blanket,” says Fleur. ZN

THEY’RE CALLING ON YOU

Help protect Eastern Lowland Gorillas by donating your old mobile phones. Every phone recycled raises funds for gorilla rehabilitation. Visit zoo.org.au/theyre-calling-on-you-phones

THE PRIMATES MISS YOU!

Primate Particulars

Unlike most other primates, Whitecheeked Gibbons are monogamous and tend to mate for life.

While most primates have opposable thumbs, the Blackand-white Colobus doesn’t because they have adapted to live in trees instead of the forest floor.

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