THE RECENTLY opened Owl & Monkey Haven on the Island has received its first new arrival this week.
Djebra, a 15-year-old red-tailed guenon monkey with the taxonomic name of Cercopithecus ascanius, has been greeted with excitement at the Haven, which is situated at Five Acres Farm, Staplers Road, Newport.
There are over 250 different species of primates and 20 of those are different types of guenon all of which are indigenous to Africa. Djebra’s arrival puts the tally fast approaching 50 animals that have been provided a safe and happy environment at the Haven.
Djebra has had a very well travelled life. His records began in 1998 when he was kept in the middle east as a domestic pet. He was later confiscated by Monkey Park, Israel and then was later donated to Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire. Djebra has now been welcomed to the growing and varied collection of primates at the Haven.
The arrival of Djebra means other new developments at the Haven which include the integration of the Muellar gibbons to the Siamang enclosure which has exceeded all expectations.
Benjamin Athey, the Haven’s general manager, said: “The primates seem to have relished the move. They spend most of the day playfully chasing one another around the enclosure. The females have continued to groom the males which is a very positive sign that the introduction has worked well.”
Benjamin added: “This is a family-run venture, and overall we are very happy at the way things are now going at the Haven, after having to overcome quite a few problems.”
Development continues with profits from phase one being used to build the purpose built Lar enclosure which is the first new build of phase two. Lar gibbons Rasmaya and Somer will benefit greatly from this move and thrive in their new enclosure designed specifically for their ‘swinging’ needs.
Xhabu’s Tea room has just introduced ‘Xhabu and Friends Picnic Box’ which is proving popular with the children. Due to endless enquiries the Haven is also proud to be introducing Children’s birthday parties for the Autumn. Keep an eye on our website for more details and packages available.
Already the Haven’s visitors book is full of wonderful comments from Islanders and tourists and the messages of support just keep coming.
Messages include:
*”A fantastic attraction and a real pleasure to see animals being kept in clean and pleasant enclosures. A real credit to the owners, we shall be highly recommending this experience.”
*”Absolutely wonderful! Tranquil and a lovely setting. Such hard work has gone into the building of this excellent home for the monkeys and owls. Will highly recommend.”
*”We have all enjoyed our walk around the sanctuary. We were impressed by the fantastic facilities and beautiful surroundings! Good luck in the future.”
*”The facilities are superb and it is so tranquil and relaxing. The enclosures are first class and so are all the amenities, well done”
*”An amazing place – if I was a monkey I’d love to live here. Good luck with the next phase.”
*A really lovely place, stunning! The owls and monkeys are so happy. So much thought, time consideration and effort has gone into it.”
