Area of zoo
Enclosure status
Open
Population in the wild
Over 100,000
IUCN status
Critically Endangered
Scientific name
Macaca nigra
Order
Primates
Type
Mammals
Family
Cercopithecidae
Region
Indonesia
Habitat
Forests and mangroves

What do Sulawesi crested macaques look like?

The crested black macaque is completely black aside from a pink, fleshy rump which for the males is heart-shaped – although no more attractive for it. They have distinctive long faces that accommodate a long slender nose and charismatic marmalade coloured eyes which are close set beneath a heavy protruding brow. Their black fur comes to a Mohawk-like crest at the top of the head earning them their name.

Sulawesi crested macaque facts

They are often referred to as apes because of their extremely short tails. Flipped lips and clenched teeth shows friendship or play while yawning is a threat display. If the crest of the macaque is raised, it means that it is excited.

ZSL conservation in Asia

Celebes crested macaque at London Zoo
Celebes crested macaque baby at London Zoo

What do Sulawesi crested macaque eat?

Fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, birds, lizards and frogs

Sulawesi crested macaque habitat

Forest, mangroves and areas of agriculture

Our 80 ft tall Monkey Valley

Where do Sulawesi crested macaques live?

Sulawesi and Pulau Bacan, Indonesia

Sulawesi crested macaque threats

Bushmeat hunting is a big problem for the Sulawesi crested macaque, as they are served at celebrations and religious occasions like Christmas. Habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by farming, mining and forest fires are also causing populations to decrease. Some Sulawesi crested macaques are also caught for the pet trade, which is a big problem many primates are facing. 

Our Gorilla Kingdom

We bring the the African rainforest to the heart of London, where you'll be able to meet gorilla troop and form a connection with one of our closest relatives. 

Indonesian animals at the Zoo

Varanus komodoensis

Komodo dragon

The largest and heaviest reptile in the world, which can eat up to 80% of its body weight in just one feeding.

Panthera tigris sondaica

Sumatran tiger

Sumatran tigers are smallest and rarest tiger, and they have the deepest orange colour of all the tiger subspecies.

Ophiophagus hannah

King cobra

These massive snakes grow 18 feet long and primarily eat other snakes.

Animals in your inbox
From the fresh pitter patter of tiny feet to massive new arrivals, get the latest Zoo news straight into your inbox.