Monkeying about
Pilkington UK has helped to build a new home for rescued pet marmosets at The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall.
There are approximately 5,000 primates kept as pets in the UK today, and marmosets are becoming a common victim of this trade. As a result of this, they often suffer from physiological and psychological problems.
Wild Futures, the primate conservation and welfare charity that runs The Monkey Sanctuary, is combatting this by raising £70,000 to build a new complex of spacious indoor and outdoor enclosures. These spaces will re-home rescued marmosets from across the UK, providing a stimulating environment with natural vegetation, branches, platforms and hiding places.
To support the build project, Pilkington has donated insulating glass units incorporating Pilkington OptiView Protect. This anti-reflective laminated glass will enable carers and visitors to observe the monkeys without any disturbance, as well as providing enhanced safety, security and durability properties.
Garry Parrot, sales manager at Pilkington, said: “Wild Futures is working tirelessly to combat animal cruelty, and its new enclosure will provide a much-needed home for rescued marmosets. It’s important that these animals are kept safe, but also that their behaviour can be monitored and observed. Our anti-reflective glass is ideal for use in this situation.”
Sarah Hanson, campaigns officer at Wild Futures, said: “Marmosets are intelligent animals who naturally live in groups in the rainforests of South America. These tropical monkeys are the tiniest victims of the UK primate pet trade and are becoming increasingly common.”
