Yay!

Special needs monkey's home saved

SAVED: Natureland curator Gail Sutton (left) and Ricky the capuchin monkey's foster mum Casey Howse (right) tell Ricky the good news.

By HELEN MURDOCH - The Press | Thursday, 10 July 2008

Nelson's Natureland Zoo will be managed by the Orana Wildlife Trust.

Nelson City Council made the announcement today after months of uncertainty for the petting zoo's staff and animals.

Earlier the year the council's proposal to close the zoo, because it was uneconomic and outdated, was met with public outcry.

Today the council agreed to providing ongoing funding or up to eight years while the trust revamps Natureland to focus on education and conservation programmes.

The trust operates similar facilities nationwide, including Christchurch's popular Orana Park.

Natureland is home to a special needs capuchin monkey, Ricky, whose future had been in doubt when talk of the zoo's closure began.

Staff are delighted that the futures of Ricky and the other animals are secure.

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