RENOVATION work is underway at one of Colchester Zoo's oldest habitats which will provide a critically endangered species with an improved living space.
The buff-headed capuchin monkey habitat at the popular venue will receive an upgrade over the next few months.
The current habitat, which is one of the zoo's oldest locations, includes a rear and front section which will be merged in the renovation and will include additional viewing areas for visitors as well as giving the species additional space.
The changes will also include a training area where the public will be able to watch the site's animal care team as they train its group of capuchins for health checks.
A husbandry area will also be included as part of the project.
During the work, the areas on either side of the habitat will be closed off.
A spokesman said: "Raising awareness of the importance of conservation remains at the heart of all we do.
"To incorporate this into the capuchin's new habitat a new entrance will entice visitors with a host of amazing facts about this species and interactive opportunities to encourage more to engage and learn.
"Buff-headed capuchins originate from South America and are currently classed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to forest fragmentation, so it’s great we are able to care for this species here and raise awareness of the importance of conservation."
As this is an update to an already existing habitat, the zoo will be using technology to make its carbon footprint smaller.
Solar panels and solar storage will be installed, allowing the habitat to run off sun power rather than electricity.
An air-source heat pump will also be installed so the area can be warmed more efficiently during colder months.
Rather than using a traditional or pellet boiler, the heating will produce less CO2 and offer a more economical solution.
During certain stages of the renovation, the buff-headed capuchins will be moved and cared for in a special behind-the-scenes area.
However, the second group of capuchins can still be seen in a different habitat located next to the Humboldt Penguins at the Inca Trail.
Work on the area has already begun and is due to be completed by summer 2025.
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