Monkeyland, a wildlife sanctuary situated just outside of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa, provides a safe haven for 11 species of primates. These monkeys have been rescued from a captive life as pets in private homes, as attractions in zoos or as test subjects at various facilities, and are given a new lease on life at Monkeyland. Here these rescued primates are free to roam the sanctuary’s wild forest area, experiencing a life that is as close to wild as possible.
Here are just 5 adorable primates you can meet at Monkeyland:
1. A capuchin named Peanut
Peanunt, the oldest capuchin at Monkeyland, was one of the first to be released into the forest when the sanctuary opened in 1998. Peanut, who spends most of his time with his closest family members and no longer has time to chase after the ladies, is looking forward to his 30th birthday in 2018.
2. Atlas, the loveable lar gibbon
Atlas, a lar gibbon that was rescued from a zoo, is a gentle sole. Atlas is small in stature due to stunted growth in his captive environment but he has a giant heart and loves to watch the tourists as they embark on their tour of the forest, following behind on two legs as if part of the group.
3. A howler monkey named Monster
Monster is a black howler, a species of monkey native to South America. Monster is the leading howler at Monkeyland and likes to make sure you know it. His favourite past time is rolling around at guests feet with his teeth barred while showing the guide who is really boss!
4. The spindly spider monkey, Liam
Liam, the Geoffroy’s spider monkey came to the forest with his mother Lucy when he was just a baby in 2013. Now he can be seen swinging through the forest and even though he has grown into his limbs, he still looks like an awkward gangly teenager with those lengthy legs and arms – like something out of a Dr Seuss book!
5. Triplets, Uno, Dos Tres
These three naughty black-and-white ruffed lemurs are the newest additions to the Monkeyland forest, which is home to offer 20 of these beautiful creatures. The Critically Endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur, endemic to Madagascar, is able to birth up to six babies as they are the only primate that has six teats, compared to the usual two or four.