Outings such as these where animals can be seen from nearby at Monkey Town Somerset West will soon be something of the past with the primate centre announcing it’s permanent closure at the end of this month. PICTURE: CARMEN JACOBS
In an online media statement issued on Wednesday March 27, the owner and managers of Monkey Town Primate Centre announced the closure of the Somerset West facility, stating its permanent closure as of Monday April 29.
In this statement they said about coming to this decision for the closure of their facility. “The use of the word sorrow depicts how difficult we view the current situation and the impact to people, jobs, and the future of everyone young and old. Due to developments in our direct vicinity over the past few years and much more to come very soon, this incredibly hard decision had to be made.”
Monkey Town is located along the Mondeor Road, off the N2 Highway towards Sir Lowry’s Pass in Somerset West.
Their statement continued: “When Monkey Town opened its doors in the year 2000, we were in a rural part of Somerset West and surrounded by nature and a quiet environment, which was great for our animals. This has changed dramatically as the years have gone by and the ever-increasing noise pollution has become problematic for our animals.”
According to information included in the statement the animals will be relocated and arrangements have been made at Nature Conservation approved facilities for the intake of the animals in need of new homes.
Monkey Town in their media statement cited a lack of finances preventing them from rebuilding a new facility in a different location. As per social media statement on their page, the property where Monkey Town was based is on the market to be sold.
Since the announcement of its closure the Monkey Town Facebook page has been flooded with messages of Facebook users expressing their shock and disbelief at the news of its closure while others expressed loss and sadness and reminisced of special times they shared in visits to this Somerset West facility.
James Adams wrote: “This is really sad news. Wishing all the management and staff of Monkey Town, all the necessary strength and the very best for the future. This is a place where some of the best memories were made with family and friends.”
Another Facebook user, Tracy Read, from the United Kingdom wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear that. Monkey Town was one of the highlights of my visit to South Africa in 2022.”
Others applauded the facility for putting the well-being of their animals first. “Very, very sad news, but we understand that the animals must always come first!!! Their environment and life quality is more important than us going to Monkey Town for our entertainment. Thank you for your unselfish service to the animals and always putting their needs first,” wrote Retha Burger.
Bolander afforded the Monkey Town management an opportunity to give input to the article, but the Monkey Town team declined to do so.