Research conducted by the Eco Park Foz team on primate behavior, management, and welfare was presented at the 36th Brazilian Zoology Congress, one of the leading scientific events in the field in Brazil. The meeting brought together researchers, professionals, and students from all over Brazil between March 2 and 5 in Foz do Iguaçu.
Among the projects is a study on the pairing of red howler monkeys with the aim of expanding the social group and stimulating reproduction of the species. The research is the result of a year of daily monitoring of the monkeys living in the Primate Forest.
According to biologist Anna Cecília Leite, who is responsible for the survey, in order for reproduction to occur among animals, factors such as behavioral compatibility and individual temperament must be considered when planning the formation or alteration of social groups.
Another study presented by the Eco Park Foz team during the congress addressed how environmental enrichment helps stimulate natural behaviors—such as foraging (searching for food) and exploration—and reduce the monotony of the routine of night monkeys under the care of the park team.
For Leandro Mautone, founding partner of Eco Park Foz, participating in scientific events reinforces the park's institutional mission and promotes the exchange of experiences with the scientific community.
"The fact that our research is considered relevant to the congress strengthens the technical qualifications of the team, increases the visibility of the work carried out at the unit, and highlights the care given to the animals living at Eco Park Foz," he said.
According to Mautone, the defense of these studies at the 36th Brazilian Congress of Zoology reaffirms the park's commitment to excellence in management, animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation, in addition to strengthening partnerships that drive innovations and solutions that benefit resident animals.
Primate Forest
The Primates Forest, which served as a research laboratory, is the only primate immersion nursery in Brazil, where visitors walk inside the animal enclosure, without physical barriers, always under the supervision of environmental educators.
The approximately 5,000-square-meter area is home to howler monkeys and red howler monkeys, which share the space with water tigers, mandarin ducks, flamingos, toucans, brocket deer, tortoises, and land birds.
The congress
Organized by the Brazilian Society of Zoology (SBZ) in conjunction with the 3rd Conference on Zoology in Industry (CIZOO), the congress brought together researchers, professionals, students, and companies from across the country to present research and discuss contemporary challenges related to wildlife management.
Eco Park Foz
Eco Park Foz is a park that encourages people to connect with nature and animals. In addition to the Primate Forest, the park features a presentation of birds of prey—a unique experience in South America—and artistic performances recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage of humanity.
Pedal boat rides, visits to the farm, and the bird immersion nursery are also among the activities available to visitors.
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located next to the Dreams Park Show Complex on Rodovia das Cataratas in Foz do Iguaçu.
More information can be found at https://www.instagram.com/ecoparkfoz/
