Of Monkeys and Monsters

How would you like to swing on vines through the jungle at, say, 35 MPH, while singing an aria from La Boheme at the top of your lungs? Sounds like a dream come true, right? These monkeys' Puccini may be a little rusty, but their "cords" (as in vocal) sure aren't. Today we visited the Santa Ana Zoo, and while it may not be the biggest around, it introduced me to my new favorite primate, the white handed gibbon. As we came closer to their cage (alas, it was a large cage and not a "habitat") we could hear loud, rather unearthly vocalizing. I realized the sounds were coming from two smallish monkey-type creatures sitting together in the corner, having a loud conversation. They sound not unlike opera singers warming up; the sounds are high, clear, strong, and yet relaxed. They have perfect technique. The sign said they "sing" to declare their territory or to bond; given the amount and intensity of the singing (and of the elementary students milling around), I think it was the former. The best part, though, was when, all of a sudden, they took off! They continued serenading us while they swung around the cage amazingly fast (they can swing the fastest of almost any primate, apparently. I realize that's a lead-in to a joke of some kind, but I can't think of one). I was very impressed. You can listen to them sing here and see some more pictures (it's also where I got the above photo). The songs at the website sound more like "bonding" songs than the ones we heard--they seem to be a bit quieter and nicer somehow.

Dangerboy's latest development it that he's afraid of the fire alarm in his room. He thinks it's a monster--I don't know why. It's affected his ability to fall asleep for the last two nights; he doesn't want to be left alone with it! He hasn't heard it go off recently. He has, though, been introduced to the concept of monsters lately, though. During the day he'll put his finger on his nose and say "Shh! Shh!" until everyone is quiet. Then his eyes will get big while he listens--then he says, "A motter! A motter!" If anyone has any suggestions about helping him not be scared, please share!