A popular attraction and primate sanctuary in Somerset West will be shutting its doors permanently come next month.
Locals will have the last opportunity to visit Monkey Town, which has been home to hundreds of different species and animals for over two decades, until Sunday 28 April. The centre will officially close on Monday the 29th.
The announcement was made by management via social media on Wednesday (27 March) and sent shock waves through the community with many expressing fondness over the establishment, citing special family moments shared and memorable encounters with animals during visits to the centre.
“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,” a statement says. “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.”
“Arrangements have been made at Nature Conservation-approved facilities for the animals seeking new homes, as Monkey Town does not have the finances to rebuild a new facility in a different location.”
The sanctuary’s manager, Melissa Grobler, on further enquiry, said the premises that currently house the centre will be sold, much to the dismay of the founding Grobler family, who has had the property in their possession since 1981 and where several generations have resided over the years.
Monkey Town was established by Poen and Roseline Grobler. After the couple’s separation in 2007, their son Rene and his wife Melissa stepped up and joined the centre team as full-time managers two years later. Roseline had already retired by this stage.
Melissa extended a special mention to Yvette Botha, who has aided them as manager and “an amazing asset” at Monkey Town since 2005.
“We would like to thank the public for their kindness and support over the past 23 years and wish you all the best for the future.”
Melissa expressed feeling proud of having been able to share their knowledge and beautiful animals with the thousand and thousands of visitors and schoolchildren who popped into Monkey Town, where many encountered monkeys for the first time and learned just how precious they are.
“We would like to thank the public for their kindness and support over the past 23 years and wish you all the best for the future,” she said.
For every visitor who walked through primate park with a sense of wonder, a heart-warming highlight remained a pair of Chacma baboons, Jack and Morgan, taken in as rescues when they were infants and now been rehabilitated and are running free in the wild.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank every staff member for their dedication and love for the animals,” Melissa said. “We are heartbroken about closing Monkey Town and know that they will all miss the animals that they love to dearly.”
She urged community members to keep an eye on the Monkey Town Facebook page, as it is running a closing-down special for everyone to visit the animals for the last time.
