Alvin AND SONNY

Species: Java Macaques (Crab-Eating Macaques)
DOBs: Alvin – Approx. 1986 | Sonny – October 17 (SPS Assigned, Year Unknown)
Arrived at SPS: Alvin – 2009 | Sonny – 2009
Origin: Former research subjects in a diabetes study (Novartis, NJ)

Alvin and Sonny are two elder Java macaques who both came from the same diabetic research program and arrived at the sanctuary in 2009.   Macaque monkeys are often used in research as their genetics and physiology closely resembles humans.  Alvin and Sonny’s behaviors reflect the unseen journeys of primates used in scientific studies.  They are overly cautious, often on alert, appear unjustly fearful or defensive and a bit anxious.  Since Alvin has aged, he has shown less of the behaviors mentioned, however, he remains cautious. Sonny is on high alert, backing off when you are seemingly in his space, showing his teeth and even running away.  Despite years of being away from research, it has been a hard transition, but they each have shown a bit of solace with the sanctuary’s commitment to offer them peace, dignity and gentle care in their later years.

Alvin, estimated to be nearly 40 years old, is one of the sanctuary’s oldest macaques. He walks hunched over, has noticeable hair loss, visual and hearing deficits and sleeps much of the day.  Despite his age and frailty, he still climbs and he can often be found high on his perch, quietly basking in the warmth of the sun. He eats with steady enthusiasm and likes to fill his cheek pouches in case he wants to sneak a snack later.  He receives a carefully managed diet, low in sugar, easy on the teeth and tailored to his likes.  His favorites include fresh soft vegetables, kidney beans, tomatoes and potatoes, but also loves his fruits, though gives a snarly look when given broccoli.

While Sonny’s exact age is unknown and he shares a similar history as Alvin, he appears much younger.  He enjoys simply sitting in a swing or on a hammock and quietly and cautiously watching activity around him.  He appears to delight in having nothing to do and nowhere to go, taking his retirement very seriously. He is starting to engage in some new enrichment activities such as painting and finding foods in a hidden tube and newspaper box.  He has also gained confidence in himself by showing some dominance behavior over his roommate. Sonny is also on a special diet and continues to be monitored with close attention to his health and well-being.  He likes beans, romaine lettuce leaves, oranges, peanuts, peanut butter and most veggies.