It was not one but two celebrations at Adelaide Zoo with keepers celebrating the birthdays of two Dusky Leaf-monkeys, Tevy and Jingga.
Keeper Rachael Mayger said “Tevy is ten today and Jingga is 15 on Sunday. I’ve given them a couple of presents containing peanuts and sultanas – a very special treat for them.
“These monkeys are so inquisitive. They’re always busy exploring their environment or taking the Malaysian Tapir’s food up their tree. Sometimes when I’m on the Central Lawns I can spot them watching me from their tree – they’re always on the lookout for food and have the funniest personalities.
“In the wild, Dusky Leaf-monkeys are considered endangered and sadly they are facing threats from deforestation, hunting, trapping and logging.
“If you would like to help this species, coming to the zoo is a great way to start as this is only place in Australia to see Dusky Leaf-monkeys. Making sustainable choices with the products you buy is also really helpful,” finished Rachael.
There are seven different subspecies of Dusky Leaf-monkeys ranging across Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.
Dusky Leaf-monkeys are generally grey in colour and have white patches like spectacles around their eyes and mouth.
In the wild, Dusky Leaf-monkeys eat mainly leaves. They have a specialised stomachs that can breakdown cellulose found in plant cell walls. They also eat other plant material such as seeds, fruit and flowers.
Adelaide Zoo is a conservation charity run by Zoos SA. Visitors are asked to book their tickets online prior to arrival and to follow all guidance regarding COVID safety.
As Adelaide Zoo is a COVID Management Plan run site, the wearing of face masks is currently mandatory at all times.
To book tickets go to: www.adelaidezoo.com.au/tickets.
