Pembrokeshire’s Folly Farm has recently opened ‘Patas Plains’, a new and improved custom-designed habitat for their troop of six patas monkeys.

The new development consists of a large outdoor area and impressive house with various bedrooms. There’s a ‘bio floor’ or ‘living floor’ with natural materials for the primates to explore and forage for bugs to snack on and a vast amount of space for them to shelter from the weather or have some privacy if they want.

Keepers will also be able to work more closely with the primates to carry out training procedures – essential for running necessary health checks without causing stress to the animals.

Patas monkeys are sadly classed as a ‘near threatened’ species on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss, the pet trade and being hunted for bush meat in the wild being some of their main threats. They are the fastest primate in the world though and can reach speeds of over 30mph!

Primate keeper Rosie Badger said: “We want to encourage as many natural behaviours from our troop as possible to ensure they remain happy and healthy – so have included lots of natural planting within their bedrooms – as well as having plenty of space outdoors.”

The large outside area of their new habitat has various willow trees that are starting to flourish, for the animals to seek shelter and rest, as well as plenty of climbing frames for them to explore - and great viewing areas for visitors. Large viewing windows into the house also allow guests to watch the monkeys even if they choose to be indoors.

Folly Farm is one of just two zoos in the UK housing patas monkeys, it’s the only UK facility to house an actively breeding troop as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species and has already successfully bred twice.

The troop consists of six patas monkeys. There’s the larger male, dad ‘Krusty’, adult females ‘Zweena’ and ‘Zora’, two-year-old ‘Wyatt’ and 11-month-old juvenile ‘Swift’. Last but by no means least, there’s the newest arrival, adorable four-month-old infant ‘Kelce’ (the keepers are huge Taylor Swift fans!)