Monkey Business
This area of the old zoo had a large compound that housed dozens of gibbon apes. These apes are not monkeys, but that is what we often call them. The small, fast creatures always drew smiles from the crowd with their antics. They would swing from ropes and scramble all around… and reach through the cage begging for treats.
A mix of roars and bellows could be heard during feeding time at the zoo, however, the monkeys could be heard whooping and screaming.
The metal animal sculptures in the zoo gardens were designed by local metal artist Randy Soenke using recycled steel. Many components of the gardens are made using recycled materials from various city projects: old high bridge piers, limestone blocks, street pavers, patio bricks and more.
Interested in volunteering? Contact: parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov