At La Vallée des Singes near Romagne in the Vienne, the owners have taken down a sign that used to say, ‘Caution: sticks may be thrown’ because stupid, or perhaps mischievous, members of the public thought this meant they could throw sticks at the chimps. This of course simply provoked the chimps to throw them back. Chimpanzee Island is a no-go area for the keepers because the chimps vigorously defend their territory. These are not cuddly baby chimps but adults who from the age of seven have the physique and strength of a man and when fully grown at fifteen are five times as strong.
About 350 animals representing 25 different species of primate live on landscaped island habitats, an effective means of allowing visitors to view them safely, because contrary to what you may have seen in the early Tarzan movies, primates show little inclination to swim.
Gorilla Island has ten inhabitants, including six born in the park in the last seven years. Several have been loaned to other zoos for breeding purposes but they always return to the island, where they seem much happier in natural surroundings.
For 35 Euros a year, you can sponsor an ape or monkey, receive regular news of its progress, and pay it a special visit. No shaking hands, though…
Tel 05 49 87 20 20
info@la-vallee-des-singes.fr
www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr
