The green monkeys featured here aren't really green in color.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

The small, 3-acre sanctuary zoo is built in a natural mahogany forest and visitors are welcome to spend as long as they like exploring it.

The zoo was built created in 1985 is to protect/control the green--or vervet--monkeys imported from West Africa. This is the same species found on St. Kitts and Nevis.

Bounties were offered on these agricultural pests as early as 1680 because of the massive crop destruction they cause. They became a problem again during this century, and instead of reopening hunting of them, this wildlife reserve was created.

It manages the population through trapping and sale of the animals for use in medical research. "Green" monkeys are actually brownish-grey with green flecks. They are allowed to roam free but reliably show up for the afternoon feeding, around 3 p.m.

Other animals on exhibit include rabbits, red-footed turtles, caimans, brocket deer, iguanas and agoutis. A walk-in aviary is also featured.

The turtles are hard to miss. They're not only large, they wander the walkways as they please. Be prepared to step over and around them.

Location: From Speightstown take Hwy. 1 east for about 3 miles. Right across the road from Farley Hill National Park. Admission fee. Operating Hours: Daily 10-5. For information, call 246/422-8826.

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