It’s all about macaques
It’s International Macaque Week and DZG is raising awareness and funds for critically endangered cousins of our six macaques.
Hot on the heels of International Macaque Day in March, this time there’s a whole week to celebrate the species and help promote the amazing work of Selamatkan Yaki – a project working with Sulawesi crested black macaques, like our own, out in Indonesia.
Throughout the weekend and into Bank Holiday Monday we’ll be talking to visitors about the threats macaques face and fundraising for the project which supports and protects the animals in the wild.
DZG has already committed to support Selamatkan Yaki for the next five years and we hope to raise more money for them through the sale of artwork from our own creative macaques.
Our gorgeous macaque Tambo(pictured) has painted some impressive artwork which keepers have made into key rings, which will be sold in the Rainforest Room throughout the weekend.
And original paintings by members of our non-breeding group Simon, Steve and Sophie will be raffled off over the three days.
Dudley Zoo Senior Primate Keeper, Jodie Dryden, said: “We have already pledged our support to this incredible conservation project in Indonesia and the more we can do on top of that the better.
“Unbelievably the biggest threats wild macaques face is from the bush meat trade and we are determined to do what we can, with the help of our visitors, to protect these animals.”
There will also be macaque colouring pages in the Farm barn and chance to make a macaque mask in the Discovery Centre.
