Meet some of the stars…

The animals we look after have come to us for various reasons – they may have been bullied within their original groups, rescued from the illegal pet trade, or unsuitable for breeding programmes. Some of our raptors are injured native birds that would be unable to fend for themselves in the wild.

Say hi to the Primates

We care for over 19 different species of primates, from the tiny Marmosets to the singing Lar Gibbons. This diverse group is the largest collection on the Isle of Wight and every animal has a unique personality.

Each family is housed in a large, spacious enclosure, with everything they need to ensure that they stay happy and healthy. Let us introduce you to a few of them…

We’ve got two Star Gibbons – oops, Lar Gibbons – and that’s Somer and her mother Rasmaya. You’ll probably hear them before you see them! These showgirls will try and grab your attention with their melodic singing and acrobatic feats. If you walk away, they’ll try and lure you back by singing even louder!

Djimmy and Buna are beautiful Cherry-Crowned Mangabeys with red punky hairstyles. Djimmy was found wandering along a busy road in Germany and then spent years by himself in a cat and dog home. He was given a toy pig as part of his rehabilitation – and now it’s never out of his sight. It squeaks just like he does! 

We care for two of the sweetest Siamangs. Xhabu was born with multiple disabilities and is a prime example of what we can achieve at Monkey Haven. He failed to thrive at other zoos – but when he came here, he started to grow in confidence, and began to show us his extraordinary character.  Xhabu’s nephew, Bog, is another cutie. He loves sunbathing, lazing around and eating lots of food.

Plus these amazing animals…

A squirrel monkey on a branch
Close up of a Colobus monkey
A marmoset monkey
Three Javan Langur monkeys sitting together
Close up of a Barbary Macaque
Close up of a Rhesus Macaque
A Grivet monkey
A Capuchin monkey close up
A Capuchin monkey close up
A squirrel monkey on a branch
Close up of a Colobus monkey
A marmoset monkey
Three Javan Langur monkeys sitting together
Close up of a Barbary Macaque
Close up of a Rhesus Macaque
A Grivet monkey
A Capuchin monkey close up

Dr Bog will see you now

Bog’s nickname is Doctor Bog, as he’s the one that cleans the other gibbons’ wounds or checks them over for any injuries.

plate of fruit and veg

Most of the primates’ food intake is vegetables. Fruit contains a lot of sugar and we have to watch their diets, so it’s given as a treat.

Let us introduce you to Taabo and Imara, the two latest rescues who have found their forever home here at Monkey Haven…

Diana monkeys are an endangered species and Taabo and Imara were both part of the European Endangered Species Programme in the Netherlands. However, Taabo’s genetic eye condition meant he couldn’t be selected for breeding. Imara has joined Taabo at Monkey Haven to keep him company because Diana monkeys are very sociable animals.

Eight-year-old Taabo is a cheeky and adventurous chap who loves to eat squash and lick the raindrops off the wires of his enclosure. He is very protective of Imara and can often be seen with his arm around her. He won’t let any food go to waste – we’ve spotted him trying to chase the ladies away when his favourite snacks appear!

Imara is a little calm and shy but she’s settling in well. In fact, she’s settling in so well that she makes a big mess of the newspapers when searching for treats. She’s a delicate little lady and loves being hand fed (especially so Taabo can’t steal her food when he’s hungry)! She particularly enjoys eating root vegetables.

As with all our animals, we organised and funded the travel, licenses and logistics involved in bringing Taabo and Imara to the Isle of Wight. They are now living with the Colobus ladies who have welcomed them into their enclosure.

Diana monkeys originate from West Africa where it is believed they have lost 50% of their habitat over the past three decades, due to growing populations, deforestation and hunting. Their Conservation Status rose to Endangered in 2019.

Taabo and Imara are both are very well groomed and have the most beautiful colouring and shiny coats. Pop in and say hello.

& Birds of Prey

The Haven is home to various species of Owl, including Tawny Owls, Boobooks, Bengal Eagle Owls and Snowy Owls. Many of our birds have come from zoos and private collections. Others were injured or rescued native birds from the wild – wherever possible we care for the birds until they are well enough to be released back into the countryside.

Here are some of our feathery friends…

Come and see our handsome pair, Whistler and Clicky – they’re named after the funny noises they make. Whistler came to us from a private owner and Clicky was rescued by the Haven’s founder, Don Walser, before we even opened. These majestic birds have big bodies and a loud booming call that can be heard at dusk and dawn.

We’ve got a very special spot in our hearts for the Barn Owls, as they inspired Don Walser to set up an animal sanctuary, which eventually became Monkey Haven. They’re such sweeties (unless you’re a mouse… in which case, be afraid!). Barn Owls are found in many spots in the UK, living around grassland or farmland. They have heart shaped faces and wingspans that can nearly reach 1 metre.

Coco and Nutmeg joined us in 2022. They are beautiful Great Grey Owls with impressive plumage and stunning yellow eyes (which means they are diurnal – they usually hunt during the day). Coco is female, and she’s quite a bit bigger than Nutmeg, who’s male. He loves sitting out towards the front of the aviary to catch some rays.

Owls can turn their heads 270 degrees

Owls can turn their heads to see in all directions.

Ketch the Eagle Owl tries to encourage the keepers into his nest by offering them his leftover food.

Reptiles & insects

Visit our Reptile Lodge to get up close to some slithering snakes and creepy crawlies. You can eyeball a Tarantula, cuddle a Boa Constrictor and meet the Tortoises.

Say hello some of the reptile residents…

Come and meet our gorgeous Royal Python called Jasmin – she lives in the Reptile Lodge. If you come to one of our Reptile talks, you could get the chance to touch or even hold her. She might look a little scary but don’t be fooled – she’s really very friendly.

This lizard originates from China and southeastern Asia, and is usually found along the banks of lakes and streams. They can grow to an impressive 3ft in length and have a photosensitive spot between their eyes referred to as the pineal eye (or the third eye) that is thought to help regulate their body temperature.

Meet the creep! That’s what a group of tortoises is called. We have five Mediterranean Spur-thighed tortoises – also known as Greek tortoises. The species is now protected and it’s illegal to import them from the wild. However pet shops can sell them if they’re born and bred here. All our tortoises are ex-pets.

And don’t forget about this mob…

Our mob of Meerkats are fascinating to watch. Most of them were rescued from the illegal pet trade, and endured terrible conditions before they were discovered. They were kept in cramped cages and we think that Gobi’s tail either got caught in a rabbit hutch or he bit it off out of boredom. Now, we give them plenty of attention and space to play

Book your tickets online

Stay as long as you like and get a free 7 day return pass.

You will be taken to a secure online booking system.

Make an animal very happy... for a whole year

By adopting an animal you will be contributing towards their upkeep.

An adoption makes a very special gift, and also gives you a lovely feel-good glow. We’ll send the lucky recipient a bundle of goodies, depending on which adoption you choose.

Gold adoption

£50.00

Silver adoption

£25.00

Junior adoption

£10.00