Paignton Zoo welcome the world's only truly nocturnal monkeys
Two grey-handed night monkeys arrived from Folly Farm in Wales on Monday 30 June
The team at Devon's Paignton Zoo say visitors will soon have the rare chance to meet the world's only truly nocturnal monkeys.
It's as two grey-handed night monkeys arrived from Folly Farm in Wales on Monday (30 June), marking the first time the zoo has housed this extraordinary species.
11-year-old male, Diego, and 8-year-old female Baroo are said to represent an 'exciting new chapter' for the zoo, with their arrival coming as part of a European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) recommendation, with Paignton Zoo joining just six other UK institutions in caring for this vulnerable species, highlighting the significance of this addition.
'Absolutely delighted'
Nadia Gould, mammals team leader, said: "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Diego and Baroo to our zoo family.
"Grey-handed night monkeys are fascinating creatures that most people never get the chance to see. Their nocturnal nature and vulnerable conservation status make them particularly special, and we're proud to play a role in their conservation through the European Endangered Species Programme."
These night monkey siblings will take up residence in the former Goeldi monkey enclosure, sharing their new home with Myrtle, the zoo's beloved female armadillo.
Whilst grey-handed night monkeys are naturally nocturnal, Diego and Baroo have been maintained on a diurnal (daytime) schedule at Folly Farm to facilitate their care.
Paignton Zoo's expert animal care team will gradually adapt the pair to a more natural nocturnal routine over the coming months.
Nadia added: "The transition will be carefully managed to ensure the monkeys' welfare whilst gradually allowing them to express their natural behaviours. Early morning and late afternoon may prove to be the best times for visitors to spot them being active as they adjust to their new schedule."
Diego and Baroo will be on display immediately in their new enclosure, sharing space with Myrtle the armadillo. As they adjust from their previous daytime schedule to a more natural nocturnal routine, visitors may have the best chances of spotting them during morning hours and late afternoon periods.