Meet our little princess Aree.

Aree is our youngest ex topeng monyet in the group. She is only about one and a half year old and off course the smallest of all.
Her introduction was in march this year, when she was a real baby. It was very important to introduce her as soon as possible after she was negative on all the health checks, so we could limit the damage of growing up without a mother and family.
She was very attached to us, as she was constantly looking for attention off course.
We had a good feeling about Dewi, the alpha female at that time, as she has already proven to be a real good foster mother for the young ones.
When we introduced them to each other, Aree did not know what to do and could only scream and look at me. Dewi tried to touch and hug her, but she was to scared and could only run away. We had to let it go for a while, when we where hiding so Aree would not be distracted by us.
And after a couple of hours, Dewi got her interest. She tried to come closer and closer and finally ended up in holding Dewi so tight, she could not leave anywhere without Aree.
Now, 9 months later, Dewi is still her mother. But this little princess, as we all call her, is loved by all 13 other monkeys. She can do whatever she likes, take food, steel toys, be annoying. If one of the others gets real annoyed and tries to correct her, Aree will start screaming and in a split second Nyong (alpha male and Dewi, highest ranked female will come and help her. The one who has been in conflict with Aree will know.
She plays a lot and just discovered the swimming pool. Crab eating macaques are real good swimmers. This is why we made a big pool, where they can use their natural instinct.
Aree seems to be a very good swimmer and the first days she found out about this, she was in the pool during the whole day. A real small tiny little monkey after her fluffy coat was completely soaked. But with a bit of sunlight, dry in 5 minutes and ready to jump in again.
She is very playful with all others and loves Franky, Our grumpy old men without teeth. He loves her too and protects her with his life if needed.
Aree is the real Benjamin in the group and she is an absolute star.
Next time we will tell you more about Franky, his past, his future and his position in the group.

Selamat Siang!
from the monkey team