New Arrivals at Monkey Haven

Meet two rescued Diana monkeys this half term.

Monkey Haven, the Isle of Wight’s primate rescue centre, is opening its doors for February half term to introduce its new arrivals and share its love of animals for Valentine’s week.

Taabo and Imara are Diana monkeys who have found their forever home at Monkey Haven. Eight-year-old Taabo is a cheeky and adventurous chap who likes to look after his female companion Imara, who is a little calm and shy.

The Dianas are endangered species and both have travelled from the Netherlands where they were part of the European Endangered Species Programme. Taabo’s genetic eye condition meant he couldn’t be selected for breeding. Imara has joined Taabo at Monkey Haven to keep him company because Diana monkeys are very sociable animals. As with all its animals, Monkey Haven organised and funded the licenses and logistics involved in bringing Taabo and Imara to the Isle of Wight.

The Haven also welcomes two Great Grey Owls, Nutmeg and Coco. Nutmeg loves to be at the front of the aviary, especially when the sun’s out. Both birds have gorgeous grey feathers and bright yellow eyes.

The Haven has been closed for winter so the Keepers can’t wait to re-open on Friday 11th February for the new season, and to offer families and visitors a whole host of half term fun and entertainment. The ‘Love Week’ half term activities run every day from 11th – 27th February.

As well as meeting the new arrivals and listening to the award-winning keeper talks, visitors will get the chance to speak to other animal charities such as the Wildlife Trust, RSPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary. The guest charities are appearing on these dates:

Monday 14th – Cats Protection

Tuesday 15th – RSPCA

Wednesday 16th – Butterfly & Bird Conservation Thursday 17th – Friends of the Animals

Friday 18th – Donkey Sanctuary

Saturday 19th – Animal Healing + Wildlife Trust

Sunday 20th – Wildlife Trust

Monday 21st – Friends of the Animals

Tuesday 22nd – RSPCA

Wednesday 23rd – Butterfly & Bird Conservation Thursday 24th – Cats Protection

Friday 25th – Animal Healing

Saturday 26th – Wildlife Trust

Sunday 27th – Wildlife Trust

 

There are also activity sheets for kids, a love heart trail and plenty of opportunities to get up close to some of the animals, including meeting the owls and seeing the mini beasts in the Reptile Lodge. Swing by and say hi!

Monkey Haven is a registered charity and has rescued hundreds of creatures, from birds to gibbons, since it opened in 2010.

Monkey Haven, Staplers Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2NB.

Open 7 days a week from 10am. For admission charges and opening times, please check out their website.

For more information about Monkey Haven, click here