Monkeys are playful animals that primarily live in jungles and forests, as they are rarely kept as pets. Compared with animals like dogs, cats, fish, and birds, their interaction with humans is relatively low.
Because of the parasites and zoonotic diseases that monkeys can spread, humans are at risk. They might seem in perfect health, but when they inevitably bite or scratch someone, they could transmit one of the monkey’s dormant diseases.
Because of their propensity for mischief, they may harm items in your home. Those who care for these specific animals create unique living and playing spaces for them.
Monkeys experience various moods, and like other animals, they can have health issues, including the rare condition of Down syndrome. In this article, we will talk about monkeys with Down syndrome.
A Little Introduction to Monkey with Down Syndrome
In animal studies, Kanako stands out as a remarkable case. This 24-year-old female chimpanzee, residing at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan, has garnered scientific attention due to her unique genetic condition, Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Her case represents only the second documented instance of this chromosomal disorder in chimpanzees, offering valuable insights into the evolutionary and developmental implications of Down syndrome across species.
Monkeys are complex animals with unique behaviors. According to their habitat, they have a variety of distinct adaptations. While many monkeys are arboreal, species like macaques, baboons, and some mangabeys are more terrestrial.
All monkeys have hands and feet for grasping branches, but some arboreal monkeys also have tails they can use. Pliable seats can capture and hold objects. Their unique, flexible tails allow them to pick up objects as small as peanuts or tree branches. Remove this sentence, as it adds no value to the topic of Down syndrome in monkeys.
As mentioned, monkeys also face health problems, and Down syndrome is one of them. Surprisingly, only two cases of monkey Down syndrome are on record now. We will discuss both of them in the following few passages.
Indications of the Monkey with Down Syndrome
The ape involved in the case had hypodontia, congenital heart disease, infantile cataracts, vision issues, and limited growth. These signs and symptoms are all frequent among people with Down syndrome.
Behavioral assessments show delayed development in sitting and standing in chimpanzees with trisomy 22
The Number of Monkeys with Down Syndrome
Only two cases of monkeys with Down syndrome have been recorded. Wisconsin-based researchers initially identified a monkey with Down syndrome. The inherited defect was clear in the chimpanzee’s behaviour, and chromosome testing supported it. Chimpanzees and gorillas have already identified with Down-like syndrome, but a monkey never has. The monkey’s illness resembles that of infected humans, in terms of behavior and genetics. Details are as follows:
1. Female Azalea Down Syndrome in Chimpanzees
a female chimpanzee, “Azalea”, was born on June 29, 1988, to a mother who was quite old for this species at 21 years old. Moreover, at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, Frans de Waal, an authority on primate behaviour, claims that “it took us several days to recognize that she wasn’t fully normal.” Moreover, she learns considerably slower and is less social than the others, despite being in good health and other monkeys like it.
Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome, is a genetic condition that affects humans and chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. In humans, trisomy 21 is associated with a range of physical and cognitive impairments, including intellectual disability, craniofacial abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions.
2. A Female Chimp named Kanako 
Japanese researchers identified a 24-year-old female chimp named Kanako as having Down syndrome. The Kumamoto Sanctuary chimpanzee was born in a cage and later gained several unusual traits that made her stand out from other chimpanzees. She had crossed eyes and cataracts by the age of one.
At seven, she went blind. She also suffered some cardiac irregularities, which did not develop teeth. Through recent tests, Kanako was diagnosed with trisomy 22 or having a third copy of chromosome 22.
Both challenges and remarkable resilience have marked Kanako’s life. She was born in captivity and exhibited physical traits that set her apart from other chimpanzees. These included crossed eyes, cataracts, heart abnormalities, and underdeveloped teeth. These characteristics raised suspicions among her caretakers, leading to further investigations that ultimately revealed the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 22, confirming the Diagnosis of Down Syndrome.
Kanako’s Unique Presentation
Interestingly, Kanako’s presentation of Down syndrome differs from the typical human manifestation. While she exhibits some physical characteristics in human patients, such as crossed eyes and cataracts, she appears to have milder cognitive impairments. Her caretakers have observed no significant signs of intellectual disability, suggesting that the effects of Down syndrome may vary across species.
Implications for Research
Kanako’s case provides a unique opportunity to study Down syndrome in a non-human primate model. By comparing her genetic profile and developmental trajectory to those of humans with Down syndrome, researchers can gain valuable insights into the evolutionary origins and genetic underpinnings of this condition.
The Road Ahead
As Kanako continues her journey, researchers remain committed to understanding the nuances of Down syndrome in chimpanzees. Her case highlights the importance of comparative studies in elucidating the complex interplay between genetics and development. Kanako’s story serves as a testament to the remarkable diversity of life and the potential for scientific discovery through careful observation and collaboration.
Down Syndrome Animals
Most people ask, “Can animals have Down syndrome?“. Yes, animals with Down syndrome exist worldwide, like Down syndrome monkeys. When we talk about the monkeys with Down syndrome, only a few apes with Down syndrome have been recorded until now. At the same time, the list of Down syndrome animals includes tigers, kittens, koalas, beluga whales, etc.
Gorilla with Down Syndrome
Only one gorilla with Down syndrome is seen to the day, and the name of this animal is Kanako. It has also developed some abnormal characteristics, which makes it quite different from other primates.
She had crossed eyes and cataracts at a young age and carried an extra copy of chromosome 22. In 1969, the first instance of a chimpanzee with trisomy 22, similar to Down syndrome, was recorded officially.
Down Syndrome Tiger
Kenny was born on a tiger farm in Bentonville, Arkansas, and was transferred there by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in 2000. The first two years of Kenny’s life were spent living in filth and he was almost fatally injured as a newborn.
Only two of the cubs in Kenny’s litter survived. The other, his brother Willie, was badly cross-eyed at birth. The remaining cubs either perished at birth or were stillborn. The couple’s parents were siblings.
Conclusion
This article concludes that a monkey is a naughty and playful animal. But people do not pet them because of the germs they carry in their bodies and the space they need to play and live. Fortunately, only two cases of Down syndrome in monkeys have been recorded worldwide.
FAQs
People usually ask many questions about this condition in monkeys. We provide a few questions and their answers below.
1. How many chromosomes does a monkey have?
A monkey has 48 chromosomes, while an average human has 46 chromosomes.
2. Is trisomy 22 Down syndrome?
A chromosome problem known as trisomy 22 occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 22 instead of two. The first three months of pregnancy often result in spontaneous abortions. Survival into the second trimester and live births are uncommon.
3. Can a monkey have Down syndrome?
When an ape has a third copy of chromosome 22, it can develop trisomy 22, a disorder similar to Down syndrome in chimpanzees, gorillas with Down syndrome, and orangutans. In 1969, the first instance of a chimpanzee with trisomy 22 was recorded.
4. Is there an albino monkey with Down syndrome?
To our knowledge, there are no documented cases of a monkey with albinism and Down syndrome. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects melanin production, resulting in a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes. On the other hand, Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects physical and intellectual development.
