Behavior of infant Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) with congenital limb malformations during their first three...

Locomotion and mother-infant interactions of a severely malformed, a slightly malformed, and a normal infant were observed in a free-ranging group of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). The severely malformed infant had no feet and had hands consisting of 2 digits. The slightly malformed infant had normal feet and hands consisting of 2 digits. The severely malformed infant was more retarded in development of posture and locomotion than the other infants; however, it developed locomotor patterns appropriate to its defects. All infants spent approximately the same amount of time in contact with their mothers. High mother-infant contact of malformed infants was maintained because their mothers were very attentive and carried and held them. Mothers reared their handicapped infants even though the infants lacked the movement necessary for clinging.