Brynn's Primate Cognition Study

My junior year as a zoology student at the University of New Hampshire has pushed me to find my niche in the world. I have been able to delve deep into the science of the natural world and have begun to find my place in the study of animal cognition. With the guidance of my professors and advisor, I have been accepted as a primate behavior and cognition intern for the winter 2015 session at Alouatta Sanctuary in David, Panama. Conducting research on the reintroduction of howler monkeys into the wilds of Panama will combine my passion for conservation and my interest in psycology and animal intelligence.

"Alouatta Sanctuary is the only wildlife rehabilitation site in Panama currently specializing in the rehabilitation of primates, with an emphasis on mantled howler monkeys. As such, it serves an important role in conserving animals critical to tropical forest ecosystems, and educating the public about primate biology and rainforest conservation."

"Mantled howler monkeys do not thrive in captivity. There are extremely few in zoological institutions in the Americas, Europe, or Australia, and as a result, few opportunities to study howler monkey cognitive abilities. At Alouatta Sanctuary, interns help to conduct a series of cognitive experiments in the form of foraging challenges that address howler monkey knowledge of the physical world. These experiments provide important enrichment opportunities for the primates we rehabilitate and yield new information for the scientific community as to primate cognitive abilities."

I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity, and any gift to help me cover the cost would be much appreciated!!

Please donate and help make this dream come true!