Guenon Monkeys Join a Gorilla Group at Ape Action Africa

At Ape Action Africa, every decision about where a primate lives is taken slowly and carefully. There is no template. Every individual arrives with their own history, and what works for one situation will not always work for another.

Recently, we reached an important milestone when a small group of guenon monkeys were successfully integrated into a gorilla group living in forest at the sanctuary.

Why This Integration Happened

The guenons involved could no longer remain in their original group due to ongoing conflict. At the time, there were no other suitable monkey groups available for them to join.

Rather than rush a decision, the team took time to assess what options were safest and most realistic for the individuals involved. After careful consideration, a gradual introduction to a gorilla group was identified as a possible solution.

Taking Things Slowly

There was no direct release. The guenons and gorillas first spent weeks simply becoming familiar with one another from a safe distance. They could see each other, move around nearby, and adjust without pressure.

Caregivers watched closely, day after day, looking for signs of stress, curiosity, calm behaviour, or concern. Only once those observations consistently showed that everyone was coping well did the next step take place.

When the guenons were finally released into the shared forest space, the response was calm. Individuals kept appropriate distance, feeding and moving normally, gradually settling into a new routine together.

Why This Matters

Creating safe, enriched environments for rescued primates is not just about space, it is about social stability. When done carefully, shared forest living can offer more choice, movement, and stimulation for the individuals involved.

This integration may also help us support future monkey integrations when traditional group placement is not possible. More importantly, it shows what can be achieved when decisions are guided by patience, experience, and respect for the primates themselves.

Looking Ahead

This was not about doing something new. It was about responding responsibly to a difficult situation and letting the primates set the pace.

As always, any future integrations will only happen when they are right for the individuals involved.