Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo lets visitors make dairy-free pizzas for primates to raise awareness about endangered species and habitat-safe food choices.
Monkeys Feast on Custom Pizzas at Magnetic Hill Zoo
A unique culinary event unfolded this weekend at Magnetic Hill Zoo, where visitors were invited to craft dairy-free pizzas for the zoo’s resident primates. The activity was part of an educational initiative to raise awareness about endangered species and the impact of food choices on their habitats.
Public Engagement With a Purpose
The event, held Saturday, welcomed guests of all ages to participate in making primate-friendly pizzas using naan bread, tomato sauce, dairy-free cheese, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Barbara Bourque, visiting from Bathurst, joined in the fun and created a pizza topped with red peppers, spinach, oregano, and garlic powder.
“I thought they’d just toss it,” Bourque admitted. “But they actually loved it—it was comical to watch.”
A Treat for the Zoo’s Primates
Among the pizza-lovers were ring-tailed lemurs, lar gibbons, siamangs, and Angolan colobus monkeys. The zookeepers ensured the meals were safe and balanced, with ingredients pre-approved by a dietitian and a nutritionist. One gibbon, named Hoot, showed his displeasure when served a smaller slice by dropping it in protest.
Other primates eagerly grabbed slices and even picked through the fence for fallen toppings.
Highlighting a Bigger Message
Beyond the laughter and photo ops, the event focused on conservation. Educational stations informed guests about the dangers of unsustainable palm oil production—a major threat to primate habitats in the wild.
“I’ll be checking labels from now on,” Bourque said. “This really opened my eyes to how even small shopping choices can impact wildlife.”
Learning Through Experience
Chantal Fortin-Daigle, the zoo’s visitor and education co-ordinator, said the event blends fun with environmental education. “The primates get excited when they see the pizzas coming,” she said. “It keeps them stimulated and connects people with conservation issues in a memorable way.”
While the animals enjoyed the dairy-free feast, Fortin-Daigle chuckled when asked if pineapple was a topping option. “We’re not sure how they’d feel about that just yet.”
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