Monkeys get their own car to play with

Monkeys at Longleat Safari Park have been given their own car to play with. The Monkey Jungle drive-through at the Wiltshire attraction was closed to the public in 2008 after a macaque tested positive for a rare virus.

But last month the monkey enclosure was reopened, and for the first time in two years, cars were allowed back in. "To get them back in training for the new season we decided to give them their very own car," said deputy head warden Ian Turner.

"And it's clear to see from our test run, that monkey mischief is still very much front of mind and they plainly haven't forgotten their fondness for cars!" The old Mercedes equipped with roof rack and suitcases filled with clothes and toys was left by staff in the monkey enclosure last week.

YouTube link.

The troop of 100 Rhesus macaques "soon set about tearing it apart with gusto" and even "rifled through luggage" strapped to the top of the car and "tried on human clothes for size". Mr Turner said the monkey were "one of the key attractions" at the safari park.