Hello L'Hoest's Monkeys
18th JULY 2022It is the L’Hoest’s monkeys' first day out on exhibit at Primate Kingdom! We have a group of three sisters and they are the new housemates of the black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Animals in the wild interact with other species. Mixing two species in the same exhibit allows for inter-special interaction, which is a form of enrichment for the animals. But to do so requires thorough planning and close monitoring to ensure the animals get off on the right footing. The Primate Care Team is carrying out the introduction step by step.
Hailing from Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France, the monkeys are a part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP), which involves coordinated efforts by participating zoos to ensure the species’ future survival. Transfer of individuals between zoos for breeding is based on genetic compatibility and the trio came to us under a recommendation by the programme coordinator. It is the first time we are displaying this species at Singapore Zoo.
Keepers' Notes
We are conducting a soft introduction for the three sisters to explore their new habitat. Our staff are on hand to monitor and observe how they are interacting with their new environment.
Depending on how receptive the animals are, we will assess and possibly look to display the black-and-white colobus monkeys together with the L’Hoest’s monkeys in the later part of the week.
— Primate Care Team
