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Natureland Wildlife Trust has unveiled a new capuchin monkey exhibit following 18 months of planning, fundraising and construction, with the project made possible through extensive community support.
The new habitat has been designed to improve animal welfare, providing the capuchin monkeys with a larger, more enriching environment that encourages natural behaviours including climbing, foraging, problem-solving and social interaction.
The project was supported by 22 Nelson businesses, which donated labour, materials, equipment and professional expertise, while public fundraising helped fund the exhibit’s purpose-built den.
Natureland Wildlife Trust general manager Leah Foster says the project demonstrates what can be achieved through community collaboration.
“This project has been about so much more than building a new enclosure. It has been about people who believed in our vision and were willing to donate their time, skills, materials and financial support to make it happen,” Leah says.
The new open exhibit replaces traditional caging with a fenced habitat and moat, alongside climbing structures, elevated platforms, ropes and other enrichment features designed around the monkeys’ behavioural needs.
Natureland plans to hold a public celebration to mark the exhibit’s opening at the beginning of the school holidays.
