People often ask me how I got into studying monkeys. When I look back, I can think of several things that influenced me.

One of those influences was the birth of my sister, Magda. I had 2 older brothers and had always dreamed of having a younger sister. At last, my dream came true. I loved her! She was such a little bundle of joy. As we grew up we did so many things together. We got on really well.

My interest in children continued throughout high school and I worked part time in a crèche. It was here that I really became interested in watching children's behaviour. As a result I applied for a course in child psychology at university. When I got accepted I was over the moon. After I graduated I worked as a child psychologist in a children's hospital in the city for about 10 years.

Another thing that influenced me was the present I got for my seventh birthday. My parents gave me a puppy! I called him Bishka. I couldn't believe my luck! He was absolutely wonderful. Bishka and I developed a really close bond. In the 12 years I had him I learnt such a lot about how animals behave.

My interest in animals was always in the background, and while I was working at the hospital I read the work of the zoologist, Jacob Miller. Perhaps his work was the major influence in my life because it inspired me to go to Borneo. That's where I have been ever since.

I love being in Borneo. I'm really in my element here. It is such a beautiful country, and to spend every day watching monkeys in the mountains is the icing on the cake. They are such graceful creatures. I have daily contact with them and this has helped me to develop a really close relationship with all of them. I know everything about their personalities and behaviour and I have given each of them a name. It's easy for me to tell them apart. My favourites are Samson and Nelson. Sometimes they can be extremely violent, especially when they are fighting for territory. I have seen Samson tear out Nelson's fur. Luckily, the fight doesn't last long and they make up really quickly. Often their behaviour is really funny. It's amazing to see how we take after them in so many ways.

Some people might think my life is very strange. As far as I'm concerned, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I want everyone in the world to know what amazing creatures monkeys are. My life will be complete when the new centre for monkey research opens.