On Monday, 16 June 2025, visitors to Royal Burgers' Zoo will come face to face with free-roaming monkeys for the first time in Burgers' Mangrove. Two red titis have moved from Zoo Basel, in Switzerland, to Arnhem, where they have extensive freedom of movement in the tropical hall. The two males can explore the entire hall from their indoor enclosure via artificial lianas.
Burgers' Mangrove is an ever-evolving ecosystem that will never be finished. There is a constant search for a natural balance, just like in nature. Step by step, new animal and plant species can be introduced when the time is right. The new monkey species further enriches the ecosystem, adding new dimensions.
Unexpectedly crossing paths with a red titi is an incredible experience. However, Burgers' Zoo will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that visitors do not touch or otherwise interact with the monkeys. The red titis will have numerous options to retreat from the reach of visitors at any time, at their own discretion.
“The concept of eco-displays, in which visitors receive an intensive introduction to a specific ecosystem such as a mangrove, coral reef or tropical rainforest as explorers, allows people to admire animals and plants at very close quarters. However, natural behaviour is our main priority: we are the animals’ guests, but do not interact with them. They are wild animals, not pets,” says Arun Idoe, who, as park manager, is responsible for all animals and plants at the Arnhem zoo.
