The Funkiest Monkeys

Gr 6 Up—Twenty-five years ago, filmmaker Colin Stafford-Johnson first fell in love with the crested black macaques living on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Upon learning of the steep decline in their numbers, he returns intent on finding a way to help them. Habitat loss and hunting for the bushmeat trade are wiping them out. With the help of a local guide who observes the macaques daily, Stafford-Johnson makes a film in the hopes of persuading the locals to see the monkeys not as meat, but as a valuable part of the ecosystem, and to reveal how sensitive they are, all to inspire protection of this natural treasure. Viewers will come to know Tarzan, Samson, Uhura, and Peanut as they learn about the social structure of the macaque, their food, habitat, behavior, and endearing antics. These monkeys have accepted the guide and filmmaker as part of their group, allowing close-up filming and intimate observation. Peanut, the filmmaker's favorite, was maimed by a trap as a baby. He has a tough go of it, and is often alone and lonely, but, towards the end, he makes friends with a female who showers him with attention, making him obviously and physically very happy. This scene is sure to elicit some giggles. The film will also spark discussion in environmental science, biology, and sociology classes.—Cynthia Ortiz, School Librarian, Hackensack High School, NJ