Meet the Monkeys
Our revolutionary enclosure is the result of extensive research into what visitors really want from a modern zoo, and allows them to actually get in with the monkeys and observe them in their natural habitat.
The enclosure covers an area of 1500m² and has been built to house a breeding group of black-capped squirrel monkeys in a habitat designed to recreate the Bolivian rainforests as closely as possible in the centre of London. The walk-through is open to the skies of the capital with no boundaries between the animals and our visitors.
This urban eco-safari has been designed so that it will develop and mimic the forests of Bolivia, the plants have specifically been chosen for their scent and fruits that will provide enrichment to the animals.
It also provides inspiration for adults and children to find their inner monkey in a specially designed 'play area' which highlights some of the tools and movements our monkeys use to navigate their environment.
We have also designed a tree trunk hide complete with telescopes to allow visitors to feel like they are on a real safari in the centre of London.
Open: Mon-Fri 11am–4.30pm; Sat-Sun 10am–5pm
Meet the Monkeys - facts
- London Zoo has worked with Royal Parks and Westminster City Council to extend the Zoo boundary to accommodate our new enclosure
- The monkeys in our new exhibit are black capped or Bolivian squirrel monkeys
- These monkeys live in multi-male, multi-female groups and are considered to be the most active, social and vocal of all the squirrel monkeys
- Unique to this species is their 'girren' call
- Our squirrel monkeys are part of the European Endangered Species Programme
