Little Monkey. Big Adventures.

Little Mango is based on the true story of one baby long-tailed macaque living in a mangrove park in Jakarta, Indonesia.

I live in Indonesia, and my hobby is monkey watching. In fact, for more than three years I've watched the same group of monkeys for more than three years and I’ve learned a lot about their lives.

Baby monkeys are especially enjoyable to watch. They are full of curiosity and wonder. Luckily for the youngsters, their mommas are always nearby to save them from trouble.

Sadly, long-tailed macaques face real dangers. They've lost a lot of habitat—or living areas—to growing cities and farmland. In writing Little Mango, I hope to inspire children to care about these small monkeys. The real hope for the future is in the hands of the kids. Their power is in their hearts to care.

Thank you for sharing this adventure with me.

Best wishes from Jakarta,

Rick Wood

Rick Wood worked as a journalist and wildlife photographer for more than 25 years. He has volunteered with wildlife conservation and rescue programs worldwide.

Currently, Rick lives in Southeast Asia with his family. He conducts a long-term observational survey of wild long-tailed macaques living in Jakarta's urban areas. Rick's hobby of monkey watching helps conservation efforts of the monkeys and the remaining wild areas in Jakarta.

The real life "Little Mango," and his momma. They live in a mangrove park with a group 0f 24 other long-tailed macaques (monkeys).

What are long-tailed macaques?

Long-Tailed Macaques: Fun Facts

Scientific Name: Macaca fascicularis
Habitat: Tropical rainforests, mangroves, and urban areas in Southeast Asia.
Diet: Omnivorous - they eat fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals.
Size: Around 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) in body length, with a tail that can be as long or longer than their body.
Lifespan: Approximately 25-30 years in the wild.
Social Structure: They live in groups called troops, which can have up to 30 members or more.
Behavior: These monkeys are highly social, intelligent, and often seen grooming each other to strengthen social bonds.
Communication: They use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language to communicate.
Unique Feature: Their long tails help them balance as they move through the trees.

Fun Fact

Long-tailed macaques are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers easily!

Did You Know?

They are sometimes called "crab-eating macaques" because they have been seen eating crabs and other shellfish!

See the REAL-LIFE Little Mango in the video above!

Learn about long-tailed macaque monkeys from the video above!

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