The Bedford Estates, LondonIt's International Macaque Week!
Here at Woburn Safari Park work is well underway to mark International Macaque Week, held in the first week of May. This week aims to promote empathy for these intelligent primates across organisations, highlight the plights they face and showcase the amazing work being done to protect macaques across the globe.
Woburn Safari Park is home to a large troop of 39 Barbary macaques, who all roam freely in their natural African Forest reserve. Barbary macaques are native to Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco - and a small population was also introduced to Gibraltar.
Social hierarchy is very important to these primates and the troop with strengthen their social bonds through grooming rituals. Interestingly, Barbary macaque males play a key role in raising young, as do the rest of the group members through 'alloparental care' techniques.
A fascinating but endangered species
In short, these primates are highly emotionally and socially intelligent. Despite this, this species is faced with many threats which endanger their populations, so much so that they're classed as Endangered by the IUCN. They face:
Habitat Loss
- Barbary Macaques in the wild can face habitat loss due to deforestation, urban sprawl and farming activity. As trees are lost, the macaques find it increasingly difficult to find suitable living spaces and resources to survive.
Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Barbary macaques are often captured from the wild and sold illegally as pets, or for use in tourism or entertainment. This not only tears these highly social families apart but causes extreme suffering for the individuals forced into these cruel performances, as photo props for the tourist industry.
Climate Change
- As temperatures climb altering their natural habitat, the macaques find it increasingly difficult to find food and water sources. Barbary macaques are vitally important to the ecosystem, as they disperse seeds through their waste - which in turn maintains forest diversity.
Keepers need your help!
Keepers need YOUR help to protect Barbary Macaques in the wild this International Macaque Week! On Sunday 5th May and Sunday 12th May take a journey into the African Forest with our keepers on a Mini VIP Barbary Macaque Experience, with all proceeds going to Barbary Macaque Awareness and Conservation.
Book a Discounted Charity Mini Vip Experience
Charity Mini VIP trips are £12 per person and last 30 minutes (suitable for all ages). Book online now and meet your tour guide in Junglies Gift Shop in the Foot Safari (number 28 on your map).
Please note: Admission is not included in the Charity Mini VIPs, please ensure you have purchased your admission ticket for entrance into Woburn Safari Park.