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Visitor information Free ranging monkeys

Free ranging monkeys

Only in Apenheul!

Apenheul Primate Park is unique. There is no other zoo in the world where you will find so many primates roaming freely among the visitors: more than 200 of them! The monkeys are very friendly, and are harmless to you and your children, and they will come up close. However, to enjoy them at their best, you should adhere to a few simple house rules.


‘Monkeyproof’ bags

Primates are naturally curious and they are always looking for food. Human food is not good for them. Sweets and medicine in particular can make them sick. Do not let the monkeys get into your pockets or bag. You can leave your personal belongings in free lockers at the entrance of Apenheul. If you would rather take them with you, Apenheul will provide you with a ‘monkey-proof bag’ that you can return to us when leaving the park. These special bags cannot be opened by the monkeys. The monkeys have no interest in photo and video cameras, so you can carry these around on your shoulder like everywhere else.

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Petting will be misunderstood

Monkeys aren’t pets. If you try to touch a monkey, it will think that you intend to hurt it. Picking up a monkey will frighten it badly. So let the monkeys do their own thing. You can enjoy watching them behave naturally.

We take very good care of the primates

Please do not feed the animals. All of our primates are on special diets. Human food, peanuts, sweets and fruit are not part of their diet. Feeding them these things can make them very sick.

Eat if you want to, but…

…only in the areas without free ranging monkeys. Otherwise, before you know it, the speedy monkeys will have run off with your sandwich or sweets. There are areas where you can eat and drink, in some cases with a view of the primates on the large islands. Apenheul also has a restaurant and a kiosk with outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a meal.

Discover the monkeys

Many of the primates in Apenheul can move freely from tree to tree. Sometimes it can be hard to see them, but with a little patience you will discover them, very nearby, playing among the branches. What can be more fascinating then ‘discovering’ a monkey between the leaves?