THE first of Dudley Zoo's restoration projects is now complete - just in time for a new arrival.
Ropes, hammocks, foliage, high platforms and a climbing frame form part of the new enclosure for the rare yellow-breasted capuchins.
Just days after the primates moved into their new home, 13-year-old Dinya and Willow, aged nine, became proud parents.
Pat Stevens, the upper primates section leader, said: “This is Dinya’s seventh baby and fourth here at DZG, so she’s very experienced and even Willow is being an attentive dad and is looking out for them both.
“On the day of the birth we let the capuchins out just after 7am and two hours later we discovered the baby, so she must definitely be comfortable in the new enclosure to give birth outside.”
The enclosure, which has cost £25,000 to rebuild, has glass windows to maximise viewing opportunities for visitors.
As part of the revamp work the capuchins’ indoor quarters have also doubled in size.
The primate group, which includes female, Holly and youngsters Doyle, Ted and Chops, are part of a European Species Survival Programme and are on loan to DZG from Rio Primate Centre.
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