Mighty Mites

THE MIGHTY MITES
Species: Crab-Eating Macaques
DOBs: Assigned throughout July
Arrived at SPS: 2013 (research group); Princess – arrival date unknown
Origin: Research Lab (ECU – Dust Mite Study) & Private Ownership

Clustered in adjacent enclosures near the heart of the sanctuary lives a special troop affectionately known as the Mighty Mites—Stanley, Sheila, Colleen, Junior, Yoda, and their quiet neighbor Princess. Five of them came to SPS in 2013 after being retired from a dust mite research program in North Carolina. Princess, on the other hand, was formerly kept as a pet. While their paths were different, they now share the same space and sanctuary life.

Stanley, the mirror enthusiast, is known for striking funny poses just to admire himself. He’s clever, expressive, and always curious—especially when a Kong filled with peanuts is nearby.

Sheila is our big eater. She relishes whole carrots and has a zest for mealtime that matches her spirited presence.

Colleen is the most reserved of the group. Gentle and observant, she shines in quiet moments, especially when solving her favorite raisin board puzzles.

Junior, despite her name, is actually female—a discovery made after her arrival. Sweet-natured and calm, she adores mirrors, raisins, and Kongs with peanuts, often engaging with enrichment gently and with care.

Yoda, the dominant figure in the group, carries herself with confidence and composure. She has a healthy appetite and, like her companions, delights in raisin boards and peanut-stuffed enrichment toys.

Princess, the troop’s only former pet, has her own unique habits. She dips her monkey chow delicately in water, a quirk carried over from home life. She loves whole carrots, raisin boards, and the same beloved peanut-filled Kongs.

Grouped together along the same walkway, these six monkeys form a fascinating social landscape. Visitors often meet them all at once—watching them dip food in water, sort through treats, or gaze into mirrors. In those brief, beautiful moments, their individuality shines through.

Their collective story also speaks to a larger truth. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), over 65,000 nonhuman primates were used in U.S. research institutions in 2023. The Mighty Mites are among the rare few who now live in sanctuary—no longer test subjects or pets, but beings with names, routines, and relationships.

Together, they remind us that healing takes time—and that even those who once lived behind laboratory walls or in human homes can rediscover joy, wonder, and the quiet dignity of being seen.