For the first time in its 55-year history, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is introducing a troop of primates to its collection. The zoo announced that visitors will soon be able to meet the new group of patas monkeys, as their renovated habitat in Village WaTuTu is set to open on Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m.
The Patas Monkey Conservation Habitat has been made possible through support from Squire and Angela Junger.
Describing the new residents, the zoo stated, “Meet the Zoo’s newest residents — the patas monkeys, a striking desert species known for their speed, russet-red coats, and iconic mustaches. Native to the savannas and arid grasslands of Africa, these charismatic primates are uniquely suited to life in dry, open landscapes, where they travel in fast-moving troops and navigate the terrain with incredible speed (up to 34 mph!).”
Additional information about patas monkeys was provided by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Patas monkeys are recognized as the fastest primates in the world, reaching speeds up to 34 miles per hour. They are omnivores whose diet includes tree gum (especially from acacias), insects, flowers, fruit, seeds, and roots. Their social structure typically consists of one dominant male along with several females and their offspring. Unlike many monkey species that spend most of their time in trees, patas monkeys are primarily ground-dwellers and use their long legs for efficient movement across savannas.
The zoo also noted that patas monkeys rely on body language and facial expressions for communication, especially to avoid alerting predators. While they do have alarm calls, most communication among them is visual or tactile. They possess unique cheek pouches that allow them to store food equal to the capacity of their stomachs.
The opening event offers an opportunity for visitors to observe this species in a setting designed for their needs.
