World’s oldest one-eyed monkey tried to interrupt out of UK zoo in bid for freedom

The world’s oldest monkey is living in the UK . . . and it has just one eye.

According to bosses at Monkey Haven in Isle of Wight, a Javan Langur monkey called Treacle has just turned 28 – making her the oldest of her breed in the world. Astonishingly, the little beast, who loves eating seeds, fruits, flowers, bark and mushrooms, was only supposed to live until the age of around 20.

However she has outlived her life expectancy and is now 28. Normally found on the islands of Java, Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, she has been living in Newport since December 2012.

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Although she’s now been there for 14 years, she did once try to escape with a duo of similar monkeys. According to keepers at the zoo, she was found on top of the enclosure having broken out of the door to try and make a daring bid for freedom.

Since then, she’s had a difficult time especially in 2022 when she got an infection in her upper jaw and eye socket.

Experts were worried that she might not live to the now-grand old age of 28 at the time, but after several minor operations and antibiotics she was saved – although her eye had to be removed.

Bosses at the zoo said, in celebration of her birthday: “Two amazing announcements. Our beautiful girl Treacle celebrated her 28th birthday on Friday, October 11.

“Not only did we celebrate her special day; we’re also thrilled to announce that Treacle has been confirmed as the oldest Javan langur on record worldwide. We are so proud of this little lady.

“Here’s to many more years of our gorgeous Treacle.”

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