Capuchin integration went well
Carol pig tail macaque enjoying her view
On the evening of October 1st 2013 the future for the remaining primates lovingly cared for at Franklin Zoo & Wildlife Sanctuary for the past 8 years, started their journey to a new life at HUHA in Upper Hutt. Carol pig tail macaque, capuchins Bernie, Sophie and Jungle, along with Jack the Harrier Hawk were on the move.
Three cars including two keepers from Franklin and a team from HUHA headed off into the night to make the 8 hour journey south. There was always a thought that the drive could potentially be loud and stressful, however it couldn’t have gone better. The Capuchins and Carol the pigtail macaque were all relaxed and quiet, dealing with the move positively without a peep.
We arrived at HUHA in Kaitoki just north of Upper Hutt at around 3am and released the animals into their own dens. Once the sun broke over the mountain range and the day became lighter they were released from their dens into the new outdoor enclosures. The enclosures sit at the top of a hill overlooking a huge mountain range and valley. The HUHA property is filled with plenty of other animals
including dogs, cats, wallaby, goats, horses, donkeys, pigs and native/non-native birds, so there are plenty of distractions for the new arrivals to watch. When they walked out to their new enclosure it was clear they approved of the view and height their new enclosures allowed them.
including dogs, cats, wallaby, goats, horses, donkeys, pigs and native/non-native birds, so there are plenty of distractions for the new arrivals to watch. When they walked out to their new enclosure it was clear they approved of the view and height their new enclosures allowed them.
Carolyn and Jim have a wonderful nature about them and it was shown when Carol was released. Generally Carol is a bit of a tough cookie, she’s typically not fond of women and it takes her time to want attention from people. However when she was let out into the enclosure she went straight up to Carolyn and started grooming her arm, then she went straight over to Jim and sat down for a groom from him.
The trio of capuchins were released alongside Laurie, HUHAs own Capuchin from the circus that hasn’t been around another Capuchin for 20yrs. It was amazing to see Laurie and Bernie start talking away to each other. After four days of positive interactions, it was decided to allow them to have access to one another. It was a tough decision to make considering all four have their own unique personality’s including a rough and tumble Bernie, a flighty worried Jungle and a small, shy Laurie. But, it all went beautifully. Sophie and Jungle were the first to figure out how to get into Laurie’s enclosure and they did their own thing, not fussed that there was another boy in the room. Bernie eventually figured out how to come over too and he was more interested in the enclosure than Laurie. So the first few days have passed and there have been no negative interactions between any of the Capuchins. Such a great outcome and we hope that they carry on getting to know one another peacefully.
It’s a testament to Carolyn and Jim that they got everything ready and waiting for us at their end, there was a lot to do and construct and the finished product is amazing. It also brings us great reassurance and peace of mind knowing that Carol and the Trio have gone to HUHA with Carolyn and Jim. Helen’s legacy has been fulfilled for these precious animals. HUHA have a huge ethic towards the wellbeing of the primates and stop at nothing to do what they can to make their life more relaxing, positive, enriching and enjoyable.