Auckland Zoo unveils exciting new primate habitat

By MiNDFOOD

Auckland Zoo unveils exciting new primate habitat
Aucklanders can now get a glimpse into Auckland Zoo's highly-anticipated South East Asia Jungle Track, with the opening of a brand new primate habitat.

The new Auckland Zoo primate habitat is the first phase of the zoo’s most ambitious project, which will see the Jungle Track spanning one-fifth of the entire zoo, featuring habitats for Sumatran tigers, Asian small-clawed otters, crocodiles, fish and other exotic reptile species.

At the newly-opened habitat, visitors can see orangutans and siamangs in high in the rainforest’s canopy, swinging from branch to branch as they would in the wild.

The zoo’s primate team leader Amy Robbins, who has worked with the primates for almost 20 years, says the brand new habitat is “an absolute dream come true.”

“To see our orangutans and siamangs – ambassadors for their wild counterparts – having this immersive environment that so brilliantly provides for how I see their species behave in the wild, and ensures their absolute best care, is just wonderful,” says Robbins.

“These primates are among the most intelligent, fascinating and extraordinary animals on our planet, and I can’t wait for our visitors to experience them here in their new home.”

The $60 million South East Asia Jungle Track boasts an impressive network of aerial pathways linking, letting visitors wander over the zoo’s lake from 25 metres up high.

“Today marks the culmination of a simply epic journey to construct the first phase of our South East Asia Jungle Track experience that has utterly transformed a large part of Auckland’s zoo.,” says Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley.

“We are beyond excited to finally be able to show our community what we have built and for them to be able to explore the new habitat and home for our orangutans and siamang.”

Buley says the ambitious Auckland Zoo primate habitat completely unique, not just to New Zealand, by the world.

“The immersive new habitat provides an exciting and continually engaging environment for the orangutans and siamang and allows our primate staff to give them the very best care and animal welfare outcomes,” he says.

“It also delivers a truly original experience and perspective for our visitors to connect with wildlife and to develop an even deeper appreciation for the extraordinary natural world that we all share,” says Kevin.

READ MORE: Say hello to Auckland Zoo’s new baby monkeys.

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