Singapore Zoo welcomes L’Hoest’s monkeys to Primate Kingdom

Singapore Zoo unveiled three new L’Hoest’s monkeys in mid-July as its newest addition to the Primate Kingdom.

Hailing from the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France, the L’Hoest’s monkeys are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP).

According to EAZA’s website, the programme involves coordinated efforts by participating zoos around the world to ensure “healthy populations of healthy animals”.

A spokesperson from Mandai Wildlife Group said the Zoo aims to establish a breeding group to be able to contribute to the sustainability of the population under human care for the species.

Therefore, the three female monkeys were chosen to come to Singapore based on factors such as genetics, age, and social compatibility. The spokesperson added that a male L’Hoest will soon be joining the females as well.

The three L’Hoest’s monkeys, who are sisters, have been placed in the same exhibit as the Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys to allow for inter-special interaction, which is a form of enrichment for the animals.

The spokesperson shared that the L’Hoest’s monkeys were given time to socialise among themselves and explore the habitat before the Colobus Monkeys were introduced into the island with them.

She added: “We have integration plans for all our primates as part of our animal care best practices. The plans are species-specific and include various key areas of action, such as where to place the food.

“The introduction progress is based on achieving specific targeted milestones and expected behaviours of both species, down to the individual level too.”

The public can also join Keeper Talks, which take place daily from 11am to 2pm, to get a glimpse of the L’Hoest’s monkeys.

During the Keeper Talks, the Zoo’s Primate Care Team will bring visitors on a guided tour of the Primate Kingdom to take a look at the different primate species in their various habitats.