《110-2 SA》Monkey and Shoushan Mountain Exploration Trip
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As part of the Student Association’s plans in organizing unique events for IBMBA & GHRM members, we realized that finding out more about the Shoushan maintain – so near NSYSU was a great plan. We particularly thought that we must know more about the “monkey-business lifestyle” of those creatures that, according to many people, are constantly harassing them around the dormitories, as well as stealing food on campus. We believe that this point of view is very unfair. To illustrate the significance of these attributes, we also thought that it would be a good idea to see if we can connect them with some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking for someone who could help us in finding out more about the mountain monkeys, Teresa Chan (President of the Student Association) remembered a former postgraduate student in the Department of Biological Science at NSYSU – whose personal interest and research was about the Formosa Macaques. After we managed to find and contact Ms. Lin Mei Yin（林美吟）, commonly known as the Queen of Monkeys, she was more than happy to take us on 22 April – which was Earth Day – to her Shoushan ‘secret spots’ and share her in-depth monkey knowledge.
Ms. Lin started to explore macaques at a very early age: nine years old. She has been continuously trying to protect the monkey’s Shoushan-ecosystem for more than 20 years. During the tour, the ‘Queen of Monkeys’ described the mating season which starts in October till February. And from April till June monkeys give birth. For this reason, we saw several female macaques breastfeeding their newborn baby monkeys.
The Formosan Macaques is native to Taiwan. Ms. Lin noted that not every macaque has a pink bottom. Adult female macaques usually have this feature. What shocked all of us was the way she communicated with all 33 macaque families, where she knew and recognized every member very well, with a loud howling technique. Macaque family groups nearby automatically knew she was around and wanted to see her. She howled twice. On both occasions, at different locations, families came over to see us. Ms. Lin asked us to sit on the ground so that we were at the same height as them.
Ms. Lin pointed out that macaques at NSYSU are more aggressive than the ones we met at Shoushan. That’s because people on campus tend to scare macaques. With paintball guns or some weapons, people threaten them. Macaques are then forced to run away. This is why macaques have become very frightened of human beings, and naturally feel forced to fight for their own survival. This wonderful experience reminded us of the UN SDG: ’15. Life on Land’. We quickly realized that this is why Ms. Lin feels sad because there have been too many tragedies. The ‘Queen of Monkeys’ doesn’t want macaques being mistreated. She wants people to know more about them: if we don’t attack or frighten them, they wont cause harm to us.
After Ms. Lin’s monkey exploration tour, some of us, including faculty member Dr. Ryan Brading who joined us, decided to hike to another part of the Shoushan mountain called Qimanzhan. This is a place with a wonderful view of Kaohsiung where many local hikers (mainly retired and senior individuals) meet and drink a cup of water or hot tea – free of charge. What we found inspiring is that the water is transported by community hiking volunteers carrying on their backs large heavy plastic canisters. We wondered, why are these volunteers doing such a service for others with nothing in return?
The only way to find out was by asking a hiker transporting water to the Qimanzhan hut. Mr. Gary Chou said: ‘I carry this water container to Qimanzhan three times a week. Besides trying to keep fit, I very much enjoy serving fellow hikers the water I bring here. I believe that it’ll give me Good Karma. New and good things will come’. Gary also said: ‘I am 56 years-old and retired. My health is precious, and it is very enjoyable to do good deeds’. As seen in the photos, we also met other senior health-conscious hikers who appreciated our interest in their effort to stay healthy and in the work of community volunteers in maintaining Shoushan Mountain as a great place for everyone to enjoy.
Our experience made us remember two of the 17 UN SDGs, which are: ‘3. Good health and well-being’ and 11. Sustainable cities and communities’. Mr. Gary Chou, also pleased with our interest in his ‘health’ training work-out combined with his community ‘Good Karma’ initiative, recommended taking us to the peak of the mountain which was not far. One of the senior health hikers – happy to see our presence – decided to follow us to the peak.
The amazing weather enabled us to see the city of Kaohsiung at its full beauty. The hike was physically challenging. It was great to observe seniors climbing to the peak so easily and with grace. They left us questioning our unsustainable lifestyle. These days, young people spend too much time on social media platforms and doing very little healthy exercise. We must rethink our priorities and follow the SDG: ‘3. Good health and well-being’.
