Follow Maya’s Journey in Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom #MonkeyKingdom

Disclosure: I attended this event as part of an all-expense paid press trip. All opinions are completely my own. #MonkeyKingdom #AvengersEvent #LAZoo

Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom in theaters today

We had a blast at the L.A. Zoo to celebrate the release of Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom, but I want you and your children to watch Maya’s journey in this heartwarming film.

I’ve watched the movie two times now (one with my blogging friends and one with my family). My kids give Monkey Kingdom TEN thumbs up! Yeah, they liked it that much. The song selection in the film keeps the kids moving and grooving, while actually learning about the Macaques. Maya goes through ups and downs throughout the film, but it is rated G for the entire family so there isn’t anything that little ones can’t see.

From the beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka to the bustling town nearby that the Macaques visit, you’ll become entranced with the scenery in this film. Absolutely breathtaking scenes throughout and you’ll also grow fond of Maya. You’ll find yourself smiling, laughing and feeling what Maya feels throughout Monkey Kingdom.

Did you know there was a hierarchy for monkeys? There is! They all know their place, and most were born into whatever class they’re parents were in. Upper class or lower class, there isn’t any room for advancement from where Maya sits. But, as with all Disneynature films – this is a beautiful, heartwarming story of an animal that we don’t get to see up close very often, if at all. Watch as Maya builds a family and a better life for her son.

• Fun music
• Feel good film
• Heartwarming
• Perfect for all ages

Conservation International

See MONKEY KINGDOM opening week (April 17-23) and Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats. Learn more at http://nature.disney.com/monkey-kingdom.

Projects support programs across Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
Conservation International will:

1) Protect monkeys and other endangered species

2) Save and restore forest habitats

3) Partner with and support local communities

Further activities in Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Indonesia will include researching, rescuing and rehabilitating monkeys, patrolling protected areas which serve as important habitats for monkeys and other species, planting trees and supporting community education and forest-friendly jobs.

Meet the Macaques

Maya

Known for her blonde bob and three distinctive spots on her nose, is part of a complicated extended family of macaque monkeys living among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Clever and resourceful, Maya’s a quick learner who’s willing to work hard and take risks—especially if it means securing a bright future for her new son, Kip. “Maya wants the best for her offspring,” says director of photography Gavin Thurston. “She tries to make the right choices—just like we all do—but the odds are stacked against her.”

Kip

Maya’s precocious and playful son. Director of photography Martyn Colbeck says Kip made quite an entrance. “When you’ve got a newborn baby in the group, it alters the whole dynamics of the group,” he says. “Like all newborns, he’s adorable. All the other youngsters were very curious.”

Kip must learn how best to navigate his world, where important elder macaque monkeys can be quick to put him in his place, if necessary. “Kip is a curious little guy,” says Disneynature producer Kristina Reed. “He learns the hard way where he sits within his troop.”

Raja

He is the alpha male of the Castle Rock macaques. Stationed high in the troop’s prized fig tree, Raja has the perfect vantage point to spot danger, warn his troop and discourage potential threats—not to mention an easy reach to the ripest figs.

The Sisterhood

A trio of macaque monkeys with bright red faces. Thanks to their privileged status among the group, they control the day-to-day activities of the Castle Rock macaques, which makes life for the Sisterhood quite pleasant. They’re not the friendliest bunch, but they are loyal—to each other.

Kumar

He is a bright, up-and-coming male who arrives at the Castle Rock troop’s front door hoping for a way in. “He’s a fancy, bold young dude,” says Director Mark Linfield. “He’s come of age and left his birth troop and he’s looking for a new place to settle. Maya immediately recognizes him as a potential future alpha male. She aligns herself with him early on—which is very smart and goes a long way in ensuring both her safety and that of her future offspring.”

Family Activity Packet

Print the Monkey Kingdom Family Activity Packet

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