Whipsnade Zoo unveils new 'monkey forest' exhibit
Head of Zoological operations, Matthew Webb, says it'll give visitors an opportunity to learn about the endangered species and how they can be better protected in the wild
Last updated 27th Mar 2024
Whipsnade Zoo is set to transport visitors into the heart of the forests of southeast Asia this Easter with the opening of Monkey Forest on Good Friday.
This unveiling marks the first opportunity for visitors to the conservation zoo to witness Francois Langurs and Sulawesi crested macaques. The latter have relocated to Bedfordshire from various zoos across the UK to form a new super-troop. As guests journey through the Monkey Forest pathway, they will encounter these sociable monkeys, along with curled-tusked Babirusa and lowland anoa, also known as ‘demons of the forest’.
Spanning 11,500m², equivalent to 44 tennis courts, the new macaque habitat is the largest in the UK. It boasts over 100 trees, providing an ideal environment for the troop to explore.
"In front of us, we've got the Francois Langurs and babirusa," said Matthew Webb, Head of Zoological Operations. "These are critically endangered species of primate and vulnerable species of pig. We're really excited. We have a little orange baby and two male babirusa pigs."
"It's really important not just for the zoo for people to see the babies of bright orange, they're kind of really distinct, but also for the species, there's only a couple of 1000 left of these primates in the wild, so. They're really endangered. Everyone that we can breed really helps the population."
"In addition to observing these remarkable animals, visitors will also gain insight into the threats facing wildlife in their natural habitats," continued Webb. "There's a number of factors, often with a lot of species, it's habitat destruction. This species particularly is hunted for certain particular type of wine. Blackgate wine, which is supposedly to help fatigue so they are hunted in any. Of habitat."
"So the Francois langurs are predominantly tree-dwelling animals or they live on rock faces in the wild as well," explained Webb. "So they like to climb like to be up high. The sideways macaques more terrestrial. So they spend a lot of time on the ground. So we've got the big forested area for them."
Southeast Asia harbors diverse wildlife, but many species, like those in Monkey Forest, confront extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.
ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, collaborates with palm oil production companies in Indonesia to promote sustainable practices, mitigating habitat loss. Moreover, ZSL engages with local communities and governments in Asia to combat wildlife smuggling and poaching.