Milo, the dominant male macaque, is as clever as he is mischievous. With a knack for problem-solving and a curious mind, Milo has become a legend among zoo staff and visitors alike.
One sunny afternoon, Milo spotted a cleaning brush accidentally left near his enclosure. Ever the opportunist, he carefully retrieved it and began examining it with his nimble fingers. Soon, he was using it to “groom” his troop members, an act that earned him approving chatter from his companions.
But Milo’s intelligence truly shone when he figured out how to use the brush as a tool. Observing his keepers' movements, he attempted to unlatch the feeding tray, a feat he almost accomplished before being gently redirected by his keepers. While Milo’s “escape attempts” are closely monitored, they highlight his incredible cognitive abilities and the need for constant mental stimulation for intelligent animals like macaques.
The keepers now provide Milo and his troop with puzzles and foraging challenges, ensuring they stay engaged and enriched. Milo’s story is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of primates and their need for dynamic environments.