#monkey facts

BEHOLD! Macaque-style apology lol.

Me and @soniclozdplove have actually discussed ideas on alternate SWK & LEM forms!

Since the Celestial Primates are said to only resemble the species they're named for, they can theoretically be almost any primate in form! It's why lots of people headcanon the "Red Buttocked Horse Monkey" as being a Baboon or Mandrill, as "Horse Monkey" is vague in meaning either "has a horse-like face" or "monkeys kept with horses". Long-Armed Gibbon is pretty solid decriptor, though we don't know the type; chinese art depicts Red-Cheeked Gibbons a lot due to their chromosome-based monochromatic fur colours resembling Yin & Yang.

A Golden-Lion Wukong is especially adorable, since they are infamously orange, adorable, and great parents. The only issue being that they aren't native to Asia, only Brazil. Then again, it would make sense for a monkey no one knows the true species of to be one they're unlikely to ever have seen. Also tamarins are very sassy towards humans! XD

And ofc the "Six Eared Macaque" is a Rhesus Macaque - the "Mihou" in "Liu'er Mihou" means "macaque/rhesus monkey".

In Chapter 1 of JTTW; Subodhi/Puti describes Wukong as "resembling pine-eating macaques".

Also in a later segment (Kingdom of Wuji) Wukong is described as having cheek pouches - a trait typical of macaques, but also of many monkey species.

A few people suggest that Wukong, being derived from the Hindu deity Hanuman, is also likely based on a Bonnet Macaque - which have handsome opera-like red markings. While recent depiction take inspiration from Pigtailed Macaques - who look like they serving looks with that natural eyeliner. They also frequently interbreed with Rhesus's macaques (oh my!). A few designs also take inspo from Golden-Snub Nosed Monkeys.

One artist @digitalagepulao has their Wukong design based on Francois & Grey Langurs: Which are species macaques will often avoid/ignore in the wild. Also cheeto-puff looking babies.

And us regular fans aren't the only ones to speculate on the Monkey King's species! Dasheng/SWK's design in "Monkey King; Hero is Back" is partially inspired by long-limbed gibbons! Even older films and cartoons use spider monkeys as references for Wukong's swinging movements.

In terms of Old World monkeys; one adorable idea came to mind.

Behold! The smallest Old World Monkey; the Talapoin aka "little monk"!

The adults are a little smaller than a cat. And although they are a mid-African species, they likely had a much larger range prior to humans.

Imagine meeting the dreaded "Handsome Wise Monkey King; Great Sage Equal to Heaven" and the lil mf is the length of a banana! Still just as deadly as in canon though!

Tripitaka sees his future bodyguard and honestly doesn't recognise him for who he is. He thinks the cat-sized monkey is some poor trapped animal.

Tripitaka: "Oh Buddha's grace! What poor thing! How did you become trapped here!? Wukong, tamarin/talapoin-sized & in disbelief: "Has the Havoc I wrought in Heaven been lost to history already?" Tripitaka, shocked/confused: "The... havoc in heaven? But, that was infamously done by the Monkey King, was it not?" Wukong, relieved smile: "Yes it was! Tripitaka, growing horror on his face: "But that would make you- oh Buddha's grace."

Wukong gets increasingly frustrated as demons and celestials underestimate and misidentify him based on his size alone. Even those who fought him directly in battle seem to second0guess themselves!

Wukong: (*standing proud in his armour*) Zhu Bajie, aghast: "THAT'S what defeated all of Heaven!?" Sha Wujing: "He seemed bigger from a distance." Ao Lie, remembers Wukong from when he was a pup: "Did he shrink in the Furnace, perhaps?" Nezha: "Holy... I thought you were just transformed that whole time. I used to hold you like a toy!" DBK: "Haha! Still my mighty Xiandi!" [worthy little brother] Macaque: "Told ya I'd be taller."

There are some benefits though. It's a lot easier to sneak the dreaded demon king into a city or temple if he just looks like the Tang Monk's dear pet. After the pair get more comfortable around each other - Tripitaka frequently forgets himself and pets/grooms Wukong's fur like he would a cat. Wukong doesn't mind in the slightest, he likes being groomed.

In the case of Shadowpeach - that feel when your bf/gf is twice your size but bows to you like the King you are. <3

I especially love the idea of Stone Monkeys being smol in the context of LMK; since MK would have come to Pigsy almost Thumbelina size.

Black Colobus Colobus satanas

This thumbless monkey lives in a small area of east-central Africa, high in the canopy of dense rainforest. They are herbivores and feed predominantly on seeds. They were named "satanic" by Europeans, and are currently threatened by deforestation and hunting.

You might be wondering, or maybe not, but I will explain! 

The Order Primates is a specific designation under Class Mammalia reserved for a weird and diverse group of folks with some unique characteristics. 

1. Large relative brain to body size compared to other animals. Example: primates and mammals with similar body sizes, but quite different brain sizes!

Bad news! According to National Geographic, proboscis monkey populations are decreasing. However, this has little to do with the people and jaguars that love the succulent treat of monkey meat, and mostly to do with habitat loss. In fact, when proboscis monkeys lose habitat and have to venture into more unsafe areas for food, they are more at risk from human and animal hunters who would love to get their hands on this delicacy of a creature.

Animal Fact of the Day

hey everyone missed my facts lol