Animal Facts

Rhesus Monkeys
Longleat’s troop of Rhesus Monkeys is among the highlights of any visit through the Safari Park.

Their natural curiosity and amazing dexterity captivates visitors, and the feeling appears to be mutual with the monkeys taking a genuine interest in the cars passing through their enclosure.

Despite having ample accommodation provided in the shape of purpose-built housing, the monkeys appear much more at home living in the holes of the massive 300yr old oak trees in their enclosure.

With their dexterous fingers and thumbs they spend much of their day foraging for food amongst the grass and fallen branches as well as catching free lifts on passing vehicles!

At Longleat, the Rhesus Monkeys enjoy a mixed diet of apples, oranges, dog biscuits, special primate cubes and maize – this food is scattered randomly around their enclosure encouraging their natural foraging habits.

Longleat’s monkeys are reknowned for their inquisitive behaviour and playfulness… for visitors concerned about damage to their cars then please be advised that there is a bypass lane immediately before entering the Monkey Jungle.