About
About
WHO WE ARE
Where their next chapter begins.
For more than 40 years, Banana Cabana has been a privately funded, lifelong home for primates retired from fauna parks, circuses, research facilities and private ownership.
We do not breed, trade or seek to grow our collection. Our focus is on the residents already here: getting to know each one, respecting the life they have lived and caring for them as individuals—for life.
FOREVER HOME
Once a resident arrives at Banana Cabana, they have a home for life.
INTEGRITY OVER EXPANSION
We are here to care for the primates entrusted to us, not to grow a collection.
WELFARE OVER TOURISM
The needs of our residents will always come before the expectations of our visitors.
PATIENCE & GENTLENESS
Care takes time, especially for older residents and those with more complex needs.
FOREVER HOME
Once a resident arrives at Banana Cabana, they have a home for life.
INTEGRITY OVER EXPANSION
We are here to care for the primates entrusted to us, not to grow a collection.
PATIENCE & GENTLENESS
Care takes time, especially for older residents and those with more complex needs.
WELFARE OVER TOURISM
The needs of our residents will always come before the expectations of our visitors.
Every resident brings their own history, personality and way of moving through the world. Some are quiet observers, some are social butterflies, and some need a little more time and care —but all belong here.
Learn about our 6 species of primates below.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
One home.
Six species.
SPECIES OF PRIMATES
Common Marmoset
Scientific name: Callithrix jacchus
Native to the forests and scrublands of Brazil, Common Marmosets are tiny, energetic primates known for their expressive faces and curious nature. They feed on tree sap, insects and fruit, using their specialised teeth to gouge holes in bark. Highly social and vocal, they communicate with an impressive range of calls — and their fluffy ear tufts make them one of the most recognisable small primates.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Crab-eating Macaque
Scientific name: Macaca fascicularis
Found in forests, river edges and coastal mangroves across Southeast Asia — from southern Burma through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. Despite their name, these macaques aren’t committed crab‑eaters; in the wild they enjoy a broad range of fruits, leaves, seeds and
even small vertebrates. They’re clever, adaptable and excellent swimmers, often seen diving in the water for food.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Rhesus Macaque
Scientific name: Macaca mulatta
Other than humans, Rhesus Macaques have the widest geographical range of any primate. They roam across Asia — from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the west, through China and
Vietnam in the east, and throughout the Indian subcontinent from top to bottom. Their adaptability is legendary, thriving in everything from snowy mountains to bustling cities.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Black-handed Spider Monkey
Scientific name: Ateles geoffroyi
Found in the tropical forests of Central America, Black‑handed Spider Monkeys are built for life in the treetops. Their extra‑long limbs and fully prehensile tail act like a fifth arm, giving them incredible agility. They also don’t have thumbs — their hands work like perfect hooks for swinging through the canopy at high speed, making thumbs more of a nuisance than a benefit.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Hamadryas Baboon
Scientific name: Papio hamadryas
Native to the rocky deserts and savannahs of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, Hamadryas Baboons are known for their striking silver coats and impressive social organisation. Males lead tight‑knit groups called “one‑male units,” keeping order with dramatic displays and loud calls. Their cheek pads, bright skin patches and flowing mantles make them one of the most visually distinctive baboon species.
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Black-capped Capuchin
Scientific name: Cebus apella
Found throughout tropical and lowland rainforests, mangroves and swamps of the lower Amazon, Black‑capped Capuchins
are one of the most intelligent monkey species. They use river stones as tools to crack open tough fruits and nuts — and can
even sharpen stones into cutting tools. During mosquito season, they crush millipedes and ants and rub them over their fur as a natural insect repellent, proving they’re as resourceful as they are clever.
Caring for our residents
Care
Our residents are cared for each day by experienced keepers, veterinary nurses and animal care professionals who know them well. With trusted specialist vets close by, every animal has the support they need—whenever they need it.
Nutrition
Good care begins with good food. Each week, we hand-select fresh, human-grade fruit and vegetables from Sydney Markets, with suppliers we have trusted for more than 30 years.
Environment
Every resident has a safe, thoughtfully designed space to call their own—created around their species, needs and natural rhythms. From warm places in winter to pools and ponds in summer, comfort is considered in every season.
Health
Our keepers check in with every resident, every day, noticing the little changes that can matter most. For our older primates especially, care is gentle, attentive and tailored to help them live comfortably and with dignity.
Enrichment
Life here is made for exploring, thinking, moving and connecting. Our keepers create new experiences that encourage each resident to stay curious, active and wonderfully themselves.
WORK PLACEMENT
Learning from those
who care.
We welcome a small number of TAFE and university students completing supervised work placement with our experienced animal care team.
It is an opportunity to learn that good animal care is not only about knowledge and skill—it is about patience, observation and showing up for the animals in your care, every day.
