Couple of elderly howler monkeys mark their 17th anniversary together on Valentine's Day
  • 2 months ago
A pair of loving monkeys will mark their 17th anniversary together on Valentine's day.

Howler monkeys Tolkien and Clyde, have four children, spend all their time together and cuddle using their prehensile tails.

A video shows the couple cuddling and grooming each other.

Tolkien, a 22-year-old female, was born in Port Lympne Reserve in Lympne, Kent, where the pair live.

Clyde, 26, arrived at the reserve from Singapore in February, 2006 and has been Tolkien's devoted spouse ever since.

The older monkey follows his sweetheart around, likes leaning his chin on her back, and enjoys simply sitting in her company.

A spokesperson of Port Lympne said: "He is patient, quiet, and is totally devoted to Tolkien.

"He would follow her around endlessly and liked nothing more than just sitting next to her."

The couple even supported each other through tough times.

Tolkien's first two young died before turning six months old and Clyde stuck with her through mourning, according to Port Lympne.

They later had four other children, who were all happy and healthy.

The pair are now enjoying spending their golden years in their enclosure at Lympne with two of their sons.

The spokesperson said: "The happy couple are now enjoying their retirement together and this Valentine's day will be celebrating 17 years together."
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