The Primate Forest, Brazil's first monkey immersion enclosure, will be inaugurated this Saturday (11) at 8:30 a.m. at Eco Park Foz, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná.
Even before the official opening, some visitors to the park were invited to take part in the animals' adaptation period and get to know and interact with the space.
The founding partner of Eco Park Foz, Leandro Mautone, explained that this gradual opening is common in new ventures, but at Floresta dos Primatas it's more than a test of public approval, it's a necessity for the animals.
"Before opening to the public, we need to analyze the animals' behavior so that both they and visitors respect their limits and can really have this positive connection between man and animal," he explained. He added: "We're working with wildlife and humans. Everything requires a lot of attention and care.
João Vicente Barros from Campo Grande, in Mato Grosso do Sul, and his family were some of the first tourists to do the immersion.
"This is our first time in Foz do Iguaçu. We love ecotourism and having experiences that connect us with nature. Here, we could feel that connection. It was incredible to follow the behavior of the monkeys in a natural habitat, even though they are in a zoo," said João, alongside his wife Fabíola Cervo and their children, 10-year-old Ana Luiza, 3-year-old Anahi and little João Lucas, 3 months old.
For João, it was an enchanting trip and a lot of learning. Above all, having the opportunity to get to know and show his children a place that cares about the welfare of animals, especially those that have been victims of mistreatment and trafficking, is a privilege. 'Foz is surprising us positively, it's much better than we imagined. We feel honored to be some of the first visitors to get to know this incredible enclosure',
The Primate Forest
The Primate Forest, inside Eco Park Foz, has an area of 5,500 square meters surrounded by trees, lakes and trails and is home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, night monkeys sharing space with American water tigers, Brazilian water tigers, mandarin teals, Chilean flamingos, toco toucans, red deer, tortoises and land birds.
The entire enclosure has been designed and built to be safe, enriching and similar to the natural habitat. In this way, the native species will be able to live harmoniously with each other, as well as providing a moment of environmental learning for adults and children who visit the nursery.
For Mautone, now, two years after its inauguration, it has officially achieved its mission: to tell the story of the relationship between humans and animals.
"Since the beginning of our work, our aim has been to value biodiversity and promote environmental awareness and education, which is why we offer visitors the chance to interact with and learn about the routine of dozens of wild animals. Now, it's like completing the cycle of life".
Eco Park Foz
In addition to the Primate Forest, which is about to open, visitors can enjoy various activities, such as feeding giant rabbits, mini pigs, cows, calves and guinea pigs.
Children and adults can also visit a huge aviary with dozens of species rescued from mistreatment, including parakeets, parrots, terrapins and tortoises. They can also take part in the Owl Moment to learn about the history and habits of this animal full of symbolism.
There is plenty of excitement in the arena, where birds of prey fly and horses come into contact with each other. For visitors, there is still plenty of space to walk barefoot, rest and picnic.
To top it all off, there are playgrounds and a lake where you can go pedal boating and meet the capybaras.
Where we are
Eco Park Foz is open from 9am to 5pm. It is located at Rua Cruz Alta, 111, behind the Dreams Park Show Complex on the Cataratas Highway and very close to the Iguaçu Falls and Argentina.
Residents of Foz do Iguaçu and region pay reduced rates. Check out the promotional packages and discount policies on the website: www.dreamsecopark.com.br
