Monkey Haven near Newport is hosting a special day for ‘Monkey University’ tomorrow (Saturday).
Boffins from the University of Portsmouth will be on the Island to tell visitors about their work with the sanctuary’s very clever Macaques. These brainy monkeys share up to 93% of our DNA and research shows that they can recognise other monkey faces and even play the childhood game of Snap! They’re also very quick at another favourite game called ‘Hunt the Raisin’.
Throughout the day there will be a quiz, raffle, activities and talks. At 14:30 visitors will be able to see just how smart the monkeys are, by watching them using a special computer with touch-screen technology that tests their decision making. Their participation is entirely voluntary, but they all want to take part, as the games are fun, and there might be a raisin it in for them, if all goes well.
Special talks on Saturday 6th May
11:30: What are Macaques?
12:30: How primates communicate
13:30: How to protect Macaques with conservation education
14:30: Demo with the Barbary Macaques
Monkey Haven’s Founder, Don Walser, commented:
“This will be a great day out, and part of the International Macaque Week celebrations taking part around the world. It’s amazing watching the monkeys play Snap! – although that’s assuming that they don’t try and eat the computer instead, just for a laugh! So come and join us – it’s the smart thing to do on Saturday 6th May.”
