At Tuesday night’s Planning Meeting, staff and supporters for the Isle of Wight Monkey and Owl Haven left County Hall victorious.
Regular readers may remember back in April, VB ran an article by Wendy Varley on the uncertain future of two gibbons, Bog (aged 9) and Xhabu (13).
Bog and Xhabu have been living on the site for the last three years, but following complaints about their noise, an eviction notice served on the Haven earlier in the year called for the two male Siamang gibbons to be removed.
Councillors vote to keep gibbons
At Tuesday night’s meeting, planning officers noted the neighbouring residents’ concerns, but recommended retention of the gibbons at the Haven in Staplers Road, Newport. Seven councillors voted in favour of the recommendation and three councillors voted against.
Despite efforts to re-house the gibbons, staff at the Haven were unable to find another zoo or sanctuary to take them. With a lifespan of 40 years, it would have been tragic for them to be culled at such a young age.
Disappointed with Cllr Cousins
Director of the Haven, David Wicks, told VB that they were extremely disappointed with local councillor, Dawn Cousins.
David told VB that despite not contacting the Haven or even visiting it to see the gibbons in person, Cllr Cousins put a case forward to the Planning Committee for the removal of the gibbons, acting purely on behalf of a handful of residents in Staplers Road.
Free entry in October for ‘adopters’
Directors are celebrating the good news by inviting anyone who has adopted either Bog and Xhabu to visit free of charge during October.
All you have to do is turn up with your adoption certificate.
Don’t forget to say where you heard about it.
