COLCHESTER Zoo has said work is "well underway" as it continues to revamp one of the site's oldest habitats.
The critically endangered buff-headed capuchin monkeys were living in one of the zoo’s oldest enclosures and now good progress is being made on their new and improved home.
In a fresh statement, the zoo said: "Work is well underway on our buff-headed capuchin habitat.
"Our Maintenance Team has now deconstructed parts of the current building to make room for some exciting upgrades including extra space for our capuchins and additional viewing areas for visitors.
"The changes will also include a training area where the public will be able to watch our animal care team as they carry out regular health checks."
The current habitat included a rear and front section which will be merged in the renovation, giving the species additional space.
A husbandry area will also be included as part of the project.
Speaking on the refurb, the zoo said: "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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