In last week’s issue, the red-faced and variegated species of the spider monkey family were reviewed. Today we will consider the wooly variety, which is, in many ways, the most remarkable member of this family.
The wooly’s homeland is in the forest region of Brazil, close to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Much of that forest area has been cut down, and many are concerned that these creatures will soon have no place to live. But efforts are underway to set aside an area for the protection of the wooly spider monkey.
An adult wooly, weighing over thirty pounds, will measure about five feet in length, including a long, fur-covered tail. Except for a dark face, slightly flushed with red, their body fur appears quite light when they are standing facing you, but the fur on their backs is considerably darker. On some there are areas of deep orange as well, and they all have a cute appearance.
Their antics are amazing, such as dangling out in space from a slender branch, holding on only by a tail and one arm. But when a mother leads a little one around, she is very careful. To travel from one tree to another where the space is too great for the baby to swing, she will pull the branch to which it clings farther across, or leap to the other tree and work one of its branches across so the little one can safely reach it.
At other times, she will stretch herself over the area, grasping one side with a strong arm and the other side with her tail. Then junior merely walks across her body to make the cross- over. On other occasions, a mother will be spotted with a little one clinging to her back as she scampers through the trees.
For the most part, woolies are peace-loving and playful, enjoying swinging back and forth under a high branch while hanging on only by their tails. But they will chase away other species that try to compete in picking fruit from a tree, which, including the leaves and flowers, represents most of their food.
Wherever seen, monkeys are interesting animals, and we can understand the Creator’s taking pleasure in creating them. The Bible, God’s Word, does not teach that mankind evolved from monkeys and apes. God’s Word, which is our only sure and true source of knowledge of such things, plainly teaches that when God made Adam, he was instantly a complete man. If in all things we trust and believe what God says, we are always on safe ground.
ML-08/01/2004