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Not just the bear necessities!

10 March 2010

Belfast Zoo has been very busy over the past few weeks completing ‘home improvements’ to a number of enclosures and animal houses.

New climbing frames have been set up for the spider monkeys to play on. These monkeys are often considered the acrobats of the zoo, because as well as long arms, they have special tails which they use to hold onto and swing between branches.

These were built by zoo staff with help from Friends of the Zoo volunteers.
The Andean bears also have brand new climbing frames and platforms in their enclosure. With the new platforms, visitors can now get a closer view of the bears, as they are level with the upper viewing area when they laze around on them.

Zoo manager Mark Challis is enthusiastic about these renovations.

“We are delighted to have been able to provide the spider monkeys and Andean bears with new frames and platforms," he said.

"These structures are important in the welfare of the animals, promoting exercise and natural behaviours. We like to make sure our animals have more than just the necessities. I am sure visitors will love watching the spider monkeys play around and seeing the bears a lot closer.”

And the improvements don’t stop there! Later on in the year, Belfast Zoo is looking forward to re-opening its Reptile House with renovated enclosures and introducing a giraffe viewer over the giraffe paddock.

You can adopt a spider monkey or Andean bear to help contribute towards their care.


Find out more about animal adoption