The Benefits of New Enclosures

by Chelsea Musick in Blog, Primate Sanctuary

A cinder-block warm house. Photo: Born Free USA.

Two and a half years ago we were fortunate enough to receive funding to build new enclosures at our Primate Sanctuary in south Texas.

The new enclosures house smaller groups of 2 – 4 monkeys, most of whom are former pets. Photo: Born Free USA.
These new enclosures were designed to house smaller groups of 2 – 4 monkeys, most of whom are former pets or retired from research. We usually introduce monkeys from these backgrounds to one other monkey as it is often easier for them to learn how to socialize one-on-one at first. We immediately experienced the benefits of these new style of enclosures and their upgraded features. One key design feature of the new enclosures was the inclusion of numerous shifting doors strategically placed so that we had the ability to shift the monkeys in every direction. This has allowed us to try a vast number of introductions between various individuals. This has been extremely helpful with some of our less sociable monkeys, with whom we sometimes have to try upwards of ten different introductions before we find the pairing that works.

The design of these new enclosures also incorporates multiple smaller sections within each bigger yard, which gives us the ability to shift and temporarily separate individuals who may need medical care or a special diet.

Another significant upgrade was the addition of cinder-block warm houses that are heated with propane heaters in the winter. These warm houses provide shelter and warmth during the colder months.

For us, building these new enclosures felt like a big step forward in bettering the lives of the monkeys in our care. We have seen a significant improvement in the lives of the monkeys who are now living in the newer enclosures and we are hoping to eventually be able to build more of similar design so more of the Sanctuary monkeys can experience these benefits.

Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Chelsea Musick

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