Has anyone else ever heard of the Japan Monkey Center? Apparently they have the largest primate collection in the world, but their website doesn't have that much information. Anyone ever been there?
Friends who have been recently report that the collection, though big, is not as large as it once was. Furthermore, the accommodation for that collection, and the level of display, are very poor indeed. Certainly, the photos that I have seen support that judgement.
I had a feeling that the exhibitry would be poor, especially since most Japanese zoos I have heard of have poor exhibits. Do you have an idea on how many species are still there?
I've visted the Japan Monkey Center in July. Indeed, the collection of primates is now smaller than it was in the mid 90ty's ( 94 forms-species and subspecies ) it is now much smaller, I've counted "only" 66 forms on exhibit, I don't know, if they have some more forms behind the scenes. Most of the primates are live in very, very small cages,which reminded me on how primates were kept in the 50ty's..The indoor cages are unbelivable small and almost complete empty....A lot of the animals looked ill, many were are in very bad health and care condition. In many caes, there are too many individuals are kept in too small cages, in other cages, the keep only one animal, which can't be good for social animals.... They also have a few natural outdoor exhibts, so a really big island for squirl monkey, spider monkeys and siamangs. The chimp pair has also a nice outdoor exhibit, but they keep only one male gorilla.... It might be a good place to see an impressive collection of primates, but I sure you, you will leave that place with a bad feeling.....
Sounds bad. With so many species there are bound to be some rare or special ones there. Can you try and name some of the rarer species (both in captivity and/or the wild)?