Monkeying around in style as new Natureland enclosure opens
A troop of capuchin monkeys have been tentatively exploring their new state-of-the-art enclosure at Nelson’s Natureland Zoo before it opens to the public on Saturday.
Natureland Wildlife Trust General Manager Leah Foster said the new habitat had been designed with animal welfare at its heart, and built with generous support from local businesses and the wider community.
It provided the zoo’s six capuchin monkeys with a significantly larger and more enriching environment that encouraged natural behaviours such as climbing, exploring, foraging, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Foster said the troop, made up of one male and five females, moved over to the new enclosure on Sunday and had spent the past week getting used to their new surrounds.
“For some of them, they’ve been in the old exhibit for their entire lives, so there’s been some mixed emotions,” she said.
“They’ve definitely been nervous, but now they’re showing a lot more curiosity and a lot more confidence.
“(The new enclosure is) about 80% bigger than their old exhibit, so it’s just a whole new experience for them, so they’re definitely doing a lot of exploring and they seem to be managing quite well.”
Foster said the new Capuchin Monkey Exhibit was completed after 18 months of planning, fundraising, and construction and the ambitious project was only made possible through the generosity and collaboration of the Nelson community.
Twenty-two local businesses donated their time, labour, professional expertise, materials, equipment, and services throughout the construction process.
Foster said, alongside these generous in-kind contributions, members of the public supported fundraising efforts that enabled Natureland to purchase the purpose-built den – an essential component of the new exhibit.
“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,” she said.
“Every contribution, whether it was a truckload of materials, professional expertise, hours of labour, or a donation through our fundraising campaign, has played an important role in creating this wonderful new home for our capuchins.
“We simply couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of our community, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
The completed exhibit offered visitors the opportunity to observe the capuchins in a dynamic open exhibit designed around their behavioural and welfare needs.
Rather than traditional caging, the habitat was secured by a large fence and moat, and included a variety of climbing structures, elevated platforms, ropes, and enrichment opportunities that encouraged activity, curiosity, and social interaction.
Foster said the project also reflected Natureland Wildlife Trust’s ongoing commitment to continually improving its facilities while providing engaging educational experiences that connected visitors with wildlife and inspire conservation.
A public celebration to mark the opening of the exhibit was planned for the beginning of the school holidays, but the event was weather dependent.
Foster said the zoo was looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience the new exhibit and see the capuchins enjoying their new home from Saturday.
By Andy Brew, Nelson Mail
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