Podcasts > The Rest Is History > 426. History's Greatest Monkeys

426. History's Greatest Monkeys

By Jack Davenport

Step into the world of primates and their extraordinary intersections with human society in The Rest Is History podcast episode featuring historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland, with Emily Dean. Uncover the compelling history of monkeys in military ranks, evolving from beloved mascots to legends within the armed forces. From a Roman era macaque to World War I's Corporal Jackie, the baboon who served valiantly in the South African infantry, these stories offer a unique lens into the past where animals stood side by side with humans during some of history's pivotal moments.

Further exploring the fascination with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, the speakers delve into the personal lives of famous figureheads and their simian companions. Hear about the chaos that unraveled in Graceland courtesy of Elvis Presley’s chimpanzee, Scatter, and the rollercoaster existence of Michael Jackson’s chimp, Bubbles, which culminates in an impactful discussion about primate welfare and the consequences of human-animal relationships. The episode also delves into the influence of primates such as Jenny the orangutan on Darwin’s groundbreaking theories on evolution, illuminating the undeniable connection between humans and our primate cousins.

426. History's Greatest Monkeys

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426. History's Greatest Monkeys

1-Page Summary

Military Monkey Mascots Throughout History

In various historical periods, monkeys have served as military mascots. These primates have had a profound impact on military life, and historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore numerous examples. A notable ancient case is a macaque unearthed in the Pyrenees, buried with military artifacts from the Roman Empire era. Evidence suggests that macaques were formally interred within Roman military bases across Europe, indicating their role as unit mascots. In World War I, Corporal Jackie the baboon joined South African infantry, managed to become a military mascot complete with a uniform, and even after being wounded, raised funds for the Red Cross. Similarly remarkable, a baboon named Jack assumed duties as a signalman on the South African railways, proving his skill and dependability over nine years.

Celebrity Pet Monkeys

Celebrity culture has included a fascination with pet monkeys, as evidenced by Elvis Presley's pet chimpanzee Scatter, known for his unruly behavior at Graceland. Michael Jackson's chimp Bubbles lived a life of luxury and public appearances but was eventually moved to an ape sanctuary due to his aggressive behavior as he matured. Bubbles' life in the sanctuary reflects traits that seem shaped by his past in the limelight, emphasizing the lasting impact of his formative years.

Monkeys and Evolutionary Theory

Charles Darwin's evolutionary theorizations were significantly informed by his observations of Jenny the orangutan at the London Zoo. Jenny's human-like behaviors, such as tantrums and tool use, supported Darwin's thoughts on the close relationship between humans and primates. His dedication to researching the intelligence and emotions of monkeys furthered the concept that humans share ancestry with apes, challenging the then-prevailing belief in human superiority. This perspective was a cornerstone for our modern comprehension of human evolution and our connections to other primates.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Corporal Jackie was a baboon who served with the 3rd South African Infantry Regiment during World War I. He was enlisted as a mascot and became a beloved member of the unit, participating in military activities and even learning to salute. His story showcases the unique and sometimes unconventional roles animals played in wartime settings.
  • Jack, a baboon, was a notable figure in South Africa who served as a signalman on the railways. His role involved assisting with the signaling duties, showcasing his intelligence and reliability over a period of nine years. This unique historical account highlights the special bond between humans and animals, showcasing the capabilities and adaptability of certain primate species in specific roles within human society. Jack's story serves as a fascinating example of the unconventional ways in which animals have been integrated into various aspects of human life throughout history.
  • Charles Darwin observed Jenny the orangutan at the London Zoo, studying her behaviors like tantrums and tool use. These observations influenced his evolutionary theories, highlighting similarities between humans and primates. Darwin's research on primate intelligence and emotions challenged the prevailing belief in human superiority. His work with Jenny contributed to the foundation of modern understanding of human evolution and our connection to other primates.
  • Darwin's research on monkey intelligence and emotions challenged the belief in human superiority by highlighting the similarities between humans and primates. Observations of monkeys exhibiting human-like behaviors and emotions suggested a closer relationship between humans and apes. This perspective contradicted the prevailing notion of human exceptionalism and contributed to the understanding of human evolution. Darwin's work emphasized the shared ancestry and evolutionary connections between humans and other primates.

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426. History's Greatest Monkeys

Military Monkey Mascots Throughout History

The use of animals, especially monkeys, as military mascots has been a storied part of history. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine both ancient and modern examples of this practice, revealing monkeys' roles and impacts on military life.

Macaques in Roman Military Units

Tom Holland discusses the discovery of a macaque's remains in a pass in the Pyrenees near the border of Spain and France. This macaque was buried with grave goods suggestive of military connections, such as belt buckles and what could be interpreted as iron armor plates, dating back to the end of the Roman Empire in the West. The macaque is believed to have been the mascot for a military unit, as similar formal macaque burials have been found throughout Roman military bases across Gaul, Germany, and Yorkshire. Macaques were not just military pets but were kept for a variety of purposes in the Roman Empire.

Wartime Experiences of Baboons Jackie and Jack

Jackie Serves in WWI, Gets Wounded, Becomes Celebrity Fundraiser

Dominic Sandbrook recounts the story of Corporal Jackie, a baboon who accompanied Albert Marr to World War I in 1915, becoming a mascot for the South African infantry regiment. Jackie was integrated into the military's ranks, equipped with a uniform, personal rations, and a paybook. His skills included saluting officers and partaking in social activities like lighting cigarettes. During battle, Jackie faced danger and injury, taking shrapnel to his leg and arm, which led to the amputation of his leg. Despite his injuries, Jackie contributed to the war effort back in England as a figure who helped raise money for the Red Cross. After the war, Jackie participated in a peace parade in South Africa and was awarded a medal. Unfortunately, J ...

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Military Monkey Mascots Throughout History

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Baboons like Corporal Jackie and Jack were integrated into military and civilian roles through training and adaptation to specific tasks, showcasing their ability to learn and perform duties traditionally carried out by humans. Their integration highlighted the unique bond between humans and animals, demonstrating the trust and reliance placed on these baboons in various settings. This practice of utilizing baboons in roles typically reserved for humans reflected the creativity and resourcefulness of individuals seeking unconventional solutions to challenges. The stories of Corporal Jackie and Jack exemplify the extraordinary capabilities and contributions of animals in diverse environments, showcasing their adaptability and impact on human activities.
  • Corporal Jackie, a baboon, served as a mascot for the South African infantry regiment during World War I. He was integrated into military life, given a uniform, personal rations, and a paybook. Jackie's tasks included saluting officers and participating in social activities like lighting cigarettes. Despite facing danger and injury in battle, Jackie later contributed to fundraising efforts for the Red Cross.
  • Jackie, the baboon who served in World War I, experienced a heart attack ...

Counterarguments

  • The use of animals as military mascots, while historically documented, raises ethical concerns about the treatment of animals and their use in human conflicts.
  • The anthropomorphizing of animals like Corporal Jackie and Jack may lead to misinterpretations of their behavior and overestimations of their understanding of human activities.
  • The stories of Jackie and Jack, while remarkable, are anecdotal and may not be representative of the capabilities or experiences of most animals used in similar roles.
  • The reliability and skills attributed to Jack the baboon in operating railway signals could be seen as an exceptional case and not indicative of a broader ability among baboons or other animals to perform complex tasks consistently and safely.
  • The narrative of animals like Jackie an ...

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426. History's Greatest Monkeys

Celebrity Pet Monkeys

Elvis's Chimp Scatter Wreaks Havoc at Graceland

Elvis Presley, a prominent figure in rock and roll history, famously had a pet chimpanzee named Scatter. Scatter was known for causing trouble at Graceland, Elvis's iconic Memphis home. Scatter's mischievous behavior often resulted in havoc and was an interesting side note in the legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Michael Jackson's Chimp Bubbles as Infantilized Companion

Following in the footsteps of Elvis, Michael Jackson too was inspired to have a pet monkey. He acquired Bubbles, a baby chimpanzee from a Texas research facility. Bubbles, at a point, seemed inseparable from Jackson, serving as an infantilized companion. He slept in a crib in Jackson's bedroom, wore diapers, and would join Jackson at the dining table and in his private cinema where they shared candies.

Bubbles became more than just a pet; he became an integral part of Jackson's public persona, accompanying him to numerous public events. This included attending high-profile engagements such as having tea with the mayor of Osaka in Japan.

However, as Bubbles grew older, his nature changed. Originally a gentle and playful companion, his behavior became more aggress ...

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Celebrity Pet Monkeys

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Clarifications

  • An "infantilized companion" typically describes a situation where an individual treats another being, often a pet or animal, as if they were an infant or baby, regardless of their actual age or species. This can involve behaviors like providing constant care, attention, and treating them with a level of dependency similar to that of a human infant. In the context of Michael Jackson and his pet chimp Bubbles, the term suggests that Bubbles was treated in a way that emphasized his childlike qualities and needs, blurring the lines between a pet and a human child.
  • As chimpanzees like Bubbles mature, their behavior can shift due to hormonal changes and natural instincts. What was once playful behavior in younger years can evolve into more aggressive tendencies as they reach adulthood. This change is common in chimpanzees and is a natural part of their development.
  • After Bubbles' behavior became more aggressive and posed safety concerns ...

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426. History's Greatest Monkeys

Monkeys and Evolutionary Theory

Jenny the Orangutan Observed by Charles Darwin

Jenny the orangutan caught Charles Darwin's attention when he visited her at the London Zoo in March 1838. Jenny had arrived from Borneo at the end of 1837, at approximately three years of age, and was sold for £150. Kept in a heated giraffe house, Jenny not only wore human clothing but also engaged in human-like activities such as drinking tea.

During his visit, Darwin observed her behavior and reactions, which he meticulously noted. Jenny once threw a tantrum over an apple, reminiscent of a child's behavior, which indicated her capacity for such emotions. Darwin was captivated by her apparent understanding of the keeper's words and her efforts to stop whining in order to receive the apple.

Darwin went on to describe her in human-like terms, noting her intelligence and range of emotional responses. He was particularly struck by her jealousy and was convinced of her ability to use tools and groom herself. Darwin’s observation of Jenny reacting to a mirror, possibly recognizing herself, was astonishing to him and played a significant role in his evolutionary theory.

Darwin Notes Intelligence and Emotions, Theorizes Common Ancestry

Darwin's writings, such as in "The Descent of Man," reveal that he admired the courage and camaraderie of monkeys, even declaring a preference for being descended from a heroic monkey or a brave baboon over a savage human. The hosts discuss how Darwin's theory that humans are also apes was initially met with mockery in the 19th century, leading to cartoons that depicted him as a monkey or an ape.

Amidst the mockery, Darwin's theory was a true reflection of our ties to the animal kingdom, specifically to p ...

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Monkeys and Evolutionary Theory

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jenny the orangutan's significance to Charles Darwin lies in her behavior and interactions observed at the London Zoo, which influenced Darwin's understanding of animal intelligence and emotions. Darwin's observations of Jenny, particularly her reactions to mirrors and human-like activities, played a role in shaping his evolutionary theory by highlighting similarities between humans and primates. Jenny's behaviors provided Darwin with insights into the potential common ancestry between humans and apes, challenging prevailing beliefs about human exceptionalism. Darwin's study of Jenny contributed to his broader theories on evolution and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
  • Darwin observed Jenny the orangutan's behavior and emotions at the London Zoo in 1838, noting her human-like activities and reactions. He was intrigued by her capacity for emotions like jealousy and her ability to understand and respond to human words. Darwin's observations of Jenny played a significant role in shaping his evolutionary theory, particularly in understanding the common ancestry between humans and primates.
  • Darwin admired monkeys for their courage and camaraderie because he believed they exhibited qualities that he found admirable and valuable in the animal kingdom. He saw these traits as significant in understanding the social dynamics and behaviors of primates, including humans, which influenced his evolutionary theories. Darwin's appreciation for monkeys' characteristics helped shape his perspective on the interconnectedness of all species and the idea of a common ancestry among primates. His observations of monkeys' behavior contributed to his broader understanding of evolution and the relationships between different species.
  • In the 19th century, Darwin's theory of humans evolving from apes faced initial mockery due to conflicting with religious beliefs and societal norms. Critics viewed the idea as blasphemous and challenging the established order of creation. The concept of humans sharing a common ancestry with apes was met with ridicule and caricatures depicting Darwin as a monkey. This resistance stemmed from the prevailing beliefs of human exceptionalism and a lack of understanding or acceptance of evolutionary principles.
  • The concept of common ancestry between humans and apes suggests that humans and apes share a common evolutionary ancestor. This idea is supported by biological evidence, such as genetic similarities and anatomical features, which indicate a close relationship between humans and apes. Understanding common ancestry helps explain the ...

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