Primates Island

Have fun observing our primates and their striking similarities to humans!

 

The great islands of primates, with their size and complexity, recreate a natural environment where Sacred baboons (Papio hamadryas) and Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) live happily. This facility consists of three islands of about 1600 square meters each, and a central collection area, which ensures a smooth management of the species in perfect safety and welfare conditions. In this way, primates live in conditions very similar to wildlife, and present innate behaviors. As ambassadors of their wild counterparts, they contribute to raising awareness on the importance of preservation and conservation of threatened species and their habitats.

In this space, the medical and veterinary team at Badoca Safari Park establishes a thorough monthly Environmental Enrichment program, where the islands are “enriched” in response to the behavioral demands of the species. Every week, structural novelties or changes in the facilities are introduced so as to stimulate the kind of behaviors that a healthy animal in its natural habitat would have. For example, the way of feeding the animals is based on novelties, variety and rewards. Food may be hidden, in one piece or scattered. In this way, seeds and honey are hidden inside tree trunks with holes, and the animals must use a stick to feed themselves, just like in Nature, where they have to find hives for honey and termite mounds for termites. Variety is also very important for taste, so the diet includes jelly, orange juice, various fruits, yogurt, rice, boiled egg or vegetables. Aromatic herbs such as parsley, coriander and rosemary are also planted to stimulate their sense of smell and natural curiosity.