A New Home At Last!

In that moment, months of hard work and years of planning converged. As the sun rose, our six Squirrel Monkeys entered their new space for the first time. There was no hesitation. They moved with confidence, exploring every level, pathway and hidden corner of the habitat. Curiosity took over immediately, exactly as it should.

Their journey to Saimiri Ruins did not happen quickly. For five years, these monkeys were part of the Cango Wildlife family behind the scenes, while their permanent habitat slowly took shape. Plans were revised and redrawn. Late nights became early mornings. Covid caused unavoidable delays. Loadshedding slowed construction. Flooding forced rebuilds. Each challenge tested timelines and patience, but never the belief that these animals deserved a space designed specifically for their needs.

Saimiri Ruins takes its name from the Saimiri genus, the scientific group that squirrel monkeys belong to, paired with the idea of ruins as places shaped by humans and later reclaimed by nature. The enclosure reflects landscapes found across Central and South America, where forests fragment around abandoned structures, river edges, and old settlements. Life continues in these in between spaces. Animals adapt. Forests begin to return. This habitat represents that moment of transition. A place where movement, resilience, and recovery coexist, and where squirrel monkeys thrive in an environment that mirrors the changing world they come from.

At the heart of this achievement is our maintenance department, who went far beyond their usual scope. They built, shaped and refined the structure of the habitat with care and precision, often working under pressure and tight timelines. Alongside them, Hilton Jackson Art transformed the space into something truly special, painting immersive scenes and sculpting the temple that now defines the exhibit. The result is a habitat that feels alive, layered and rich in story, offering both function and beauty.

Our zoological and sustainability teams were deeply involved throughout the process, monitoring every detail to ensure the habitat met the highest welfare and environmental standards. Plant selection was approached with intention, sourcing species that support natural behaviour while remaining resilient in the local climate. The soil was carefully prepared and frozen prior to planting, a crucial step that eliminates pests and pathogens, stabilises the substrate and ensures a clean, safe foundation for both plants and primates. These details, often unseen by visitors, are essential to long-term animal health and habitat success.

Saimiri Ruins tells a story that extends far beyond the enclosure itself. Inspired by abandoned human settlements across Central and South America, the habitat reflects a moment where structures remain, but nature is beginning to reclaim what was left behind. In the wild, Squirrel Monkeys are found across Central and South America, living near rivers and moving rapidly through forest canopies. Small primates like these play an important ecological role, spreading seeds, controlling insects and supporting forest regeneration over time.

Watching them move through their new environment is a powerful reminder of why this project mattered so deeply. Every leap reflects adaptability. Every interaction shows intelligence. Every moment affirms the value of patience, planning and care.

Saimiri Ruins is not a story of loss. It is a beginning. A reminder that with time, intention and respect for nature, renewal is always possible.

We invite visitors to experience this remarkable habitat firsthand and watch curiosity in motion.