Monkey Valley is a new exhibit at ZSL London Zoo, home to Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys. The exhibit is located in the iconic Snowdon Aviary, originally built for birds in the 1960s, but now transformed to meet the needs of these tree-top dwelling monkeys.
Exhibit Details
Monkey Valley features a range of monkey upgrades, including multi-level sunny and shaded basking spots for the ten troop members to lounge in, more than 800 metres of rope to swing on, 1,347 new plants and trees to leap amongst and a 30ft waterfall. The exhibit is designed to provide a naturalistic and stimulating environment for the colobus monkeys, allowing them to express their natural behaviours.
The exhibit is home to a troop of 10 Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys, a species native to central Africa. These monkeys are known for their distinctive black and white fur, which helps them camouflage in the trees, and their long, prehensile tails that they use for balance and support while leaping from branch to branch.
The colobus monkeys in Monkey Valley are active and playful, often seen swinging from the ropes, climbing the trees, and grooming one another. Visitors can observe the monkeys’ natural behaviors, such as foraging, resting, and socializing, as they move through the multi-level exhibit.
Architectural Significance
The Snowdon Aviary, where Monkey Valley is located, is a Grade II* listed structure, hailed as a landmark innovation in design when it was constructed in the 1960s. It was the first of its kind to harness a combination of structural tension and balance to create an enormous space for birds and people to share. The redevelopment of the aviary into Monkey Valley was made possible by a £4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a £1 million donation from The Ambika Paul Foundation.
The Snowdon Aviary was designed by Sir Hugh Casson, Lord Snowdon, and F. Pooley, and it was completed in 1965. The aviary’s unique design features a series of interconnected, triangular-shaped wire mesh enclosures suspended from a network of steel cables and masts. This innovative approach allowed for a large, open-air space that could accommodate a variety of bird species.
The transformation of the Snowdon Aviary into Monkey Valley has preserved the architectural integrity of the original structure while adapting it to the needs of the colobus monkeys. The exhibit’s design incorporates the aviary’s existing features, such as the wire mesh enclosures and the network of cables, to create a naturalistic and engaging environment for the monkeys.
Visitor Experience
Visitors can walk alongside these incredible monkeys before learning to translate ‘colobus speak’ in Colobus Corner, and practising colobus leaps – which can span 50 feet – in Colobus Park. There are also four audio descriptions about Monkey Valley, developed for visually impaired visitors. These descriptions can be listened to on a personal device as you walk around Monkey Valley or online using the links provided by the zoo.
The Monkey Valley exhibit offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. As you enter the exhibit, you are immediately surrounded by the colobus monkeys, who are often seen swinging, climbing, and interacting with one another. The exhibit’s design allows visitors to get up close and personal with the monkeys, while also providing them with a sense of the monkeys’ natural habitat.
In Colobus Corner, visitors can learn more about the colobus monkeys and their unique characteristics, such as their distinctive black and white fur and their long, prehensile tails. Visitors can also practice their “colobus speak” by listening to recordings of the monkeys’ vocalizations and trying to mimic them.
The Colobus Park area of the exhibit allows visitors to experience the thrill of the colobus monkeys’ impressive leaping abilities. Visitors can try to jump and leap like the monkeys, gaining a better understanding of the physical prowess and agility of these arboreal primates.
Accessibility
Monkey Valley is accessible to all visitors, with clear signage and a tactile and large print map on the Zoo’s West Footbridge, which leads over a canal to Monkey Valley. Occasionally the walkthrough section of this exhibit needs to close, to allow the monkeys to rest. You can still access the description outside the entrance and staff can inform you when it will reopen.
The zoo has made a concerted effort to ensure that Monkey Valley is accessible to all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities or sensory needs. The exhibit features clear signage, tactile maps, and audio descriptions, making it easier for visitors with visual impairments to navigate and engage with the exhibit.
Additionally, the zoo has designed the exhibit to be wheelchair-friendly, with wide pathways and level access points. This ensures that visitors with mobility challenges can also enjoy the Monkey Valley experience.
Opening Hours and Cost
Monkey Valley is currently open to walkthroughs from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4.30pm (last entry at 4.25pm). Opening times are subject to change at short notice and we apologize for any disappointment caused. The cost of entry to London Zoo varies, with tickets available online and at the gate. For the most up-to-date pricing and purchasing options, please visit the London Zoo website.
It’s important to note that the opening hours for Monkey Valley may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the London Zoo website or call ahead to confirm the current schedule. Additionally, the cost of admission to the zoo can vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and any special events or promotions that may be in place.
Conclusion
Monkey Valley at London Zoo is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in primates and their natural behaviors. The exhibit’s innovative design, immersive visitor experience, and commitment to accessibility make it a truly unique and engaging destination. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Monkey Valley is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a greater appreciation for the incredible Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys.