Valentine

VALENTINE
Species: Rhesus Macaque
DOB: Unknown (SPS Assigned: January 11)
Arrived at SPS: 2022
Origin: Wild-caught, Silver Springs colony

Valentine is the only wild-born primate at Suncoast Primate Sanctuary. He was captured by wildlife officials after multiple escapes from the Florida’s Silver Springs  wild monkey colony.  He was cared for by his captor, then was later brought to the sanctuary.  He lived side by side with two other macaques—Peanut Butter and Marshmallow—but after a fight broke out over the female monkey Marshmallow he had to be separated.

Valentine is proud and fiercely independent. He prefers to keep his distance from both humans and other primates, spending most of his time perched high above, scanning the sanctuary with sharp, alert eyes. While most macaques huddle near heaters during cold weather, Valentine often chooses to remain outside, a testament to his toughness and wild instincts.

Although Valentine rarely seeks social interaction, caregivers continue to work with him, introducing enrichment activities to encourage calmer behaviors. He has shown flashes of curiosity—but make no mistake, his wild side remains. When he feels challenged, Valentine rushes toward the front of his enclosure and slams it with force, reminding everyone that he’s not to be underestimated and caregivers must always keep a distance.

Valentine has a furious appetite.  Eating almost everything that is put in front of him.  He loves whole fruits, but has taken a liking to both fruits and vegetables.  He eats very rapidly and fills his cheek pouches as quickly as possible, likely a technique he had learned in the wild, where food is more scarce and there is competition.  

Valentine’s story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges wild primates face when forced into human-controlled environments-and how deeply instinctual their behaviors remain.