Whether you believe we descended from them or not, monkeys, apes and gorillas seem to hold an unexplainable fascination for the human race.
Scientists have performed horrid experiments on the animals to get to know them better; animal behavourialists have spent months (even years) living alongside the creatures in their natural habitat to try to understand them. But if you want to experience a close encounter with these enigmatic mammals Sommerset’s Monkey Town Primate Centre is a perfect opportunity.
Its motto is “where humans are caged and monkeys run free…”, and that’s exactly true. Visitors to the park can get close to more than 250 exotic monkeys from 28 species. The animals enjoy a peaceful existence in a leafy garden park where their every need is catered to.
Owner and animal-lover, Roseline Grobler, began the park in late 2000. Grobler fell in love with the plight of abused and abandoned monkeys and had since rescued and adopted over 270. The idea was that the primate centre would give the public a chance to experience the beautiful world of monkeys in a new way. Grobler also wanted to help preserve the species for future generations. The centre is privately-owned and so the operation runs on money brought in from visitors and from the Somerset Mall Fruit and Veg which sponsors the centre.
If you’re thinking of visiting the centre you will not be disappointed. Make a day of it and bring along the whole family. You’ll all be able to enjoy the guided and informative tours, jungle play-park (equipped with trampoline and rock swimming pool), braai facilities, swimming pools, and restaurant and bush pub. The feeding time talks are popular with visitors as is the opportunity to interact with tame monkeys. You will also see other animals including macaws, koi fish, water fowl and small antelope.
If your child enjoys the park you could even book his or her next birthday party at the Monkey Town premises. There are birthday facilities available and specific entertainment can be organised.
If you want to visit Monkey Town and don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to interact with one of the resident primates then take note of the times:
9h00 to 12h00
14h00 to 16h00
The interaction with tame monkeys is always under the supervision of a guide and is a wonderful and safe experience not to be missed.
For more information call the Monkey Town Primate Centre on 021 858 1060 or visit their website: www.monkeys.co.za. You can also email the centre on pro@monkey.co.za.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
