Any of a group of medium-sized Old World monkeys. Various species live in forests from the Far East to North Africa. The rhesus monkey and the Barbary ape belong to this group. (Genus Macaca.)
Macaques range from long-tailed to tailless types, and have well-developed cheek pouches to carry food.
The arms show a Bible open at the Gospel of St John, a Trinitarian symbol. The white cross symbolizes faith. The arms appear on national and state flags. Effective date: 14 September 1863.