When Monkeys Die  
(Featured in Positively Primates - Volumes 7,8, & 9, 2001-2003 )
by Vjolca Jessica Capri,
New College of Florida

The primates at the DuMond Conservancy captivate and educate our volunteers and visitors. The Conservancy is a well-recognized resource for people interested in studying primates. But what happens when these monkeys die? In many cases they are donated to museums, where their skeletons, skins, and other materials are displayed and available for researchers to examine. It is reassuring to know that even after death, primates contribute to scientific knowledge.

The DuMond Conservancy’s deceased owl monkeys, Carys and Thisbe, were recently donated to the Smithsonian Museum’s New Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit. Dr. Annette Olson, who researched macaque behavior at Monkey Jungle, was recently the organizing coordinator of this exhibit. Working with curators, designers, and writers, Dr. Olson created a variety of potential poses for each animal in the exhibit, poses that would accurately portray the unique adaptations and biology of the animals. One of the owl monkeys, Carys, was mounted and displayed in the South American Discovery Zone. Because owl monkeys are nocturnal inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, and have eyes that are adapted for night vision, Carys was posed in an active position, allowing visitors to clearly see the owl monkey’s eyes. The skin and skeleton of the other monkey, Thisbe, are available at the museum for researchers to examine.

“We have numerous researchers come every year, especially people interested in primates, who examine morphology, DNA, and species delineations,” says Dr. Olson. Specific research projects currently underway at the museum include research examining the structure of the throat for vocalizations, DNA sampling studies, and research on climbing adaptations. Because of Dr. Olson, the Conservancy’s owl monkeys will contribute to scientific research, even after death.