NEWPORT Monkey Haven has announced meerkat Gobi, and squirrel monkey Elfie, have died ­­— while langur monkey Lily-Pad is recovering from a major operation.

"It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of our beloved Gobi and Elfie," said the primate rescue centre.

"Our lovely little squirrel monkey Elfie lived to the ripe old age of 32, and she was a little fighter through and through.

"The average captive age of a squirrel monkey is around 25 years.

"As for our gorgeous meerkat, Gobi ­— he developed unexpected life-threatening health complications, and sadly he was put to rest alongside Elfie.

"This will forever be the hardest part of our job. It never gets any easier losing animals in our care.

"We’ll miss you both terribly, and the Haven will never be the same without you."

Langur monkey Lily-Pad, meanwhile, is recovering from a life-saving operation to correct an intestinal problem.

"It was touch and go, but thankfully they managed to save her," said the centre.

"Lily-Pad is now on the mend, her stitches are healing and she has been reunited with the rest of the langurs who were pleased to have her back.

"We are so grateful to Chloe, the veterinary surgeon, and the nurses who saved her life.

Behind closed doors, bills for veterinary procedures, medicines, specialist foods, heating, cleaning and the like are still mounting up at the Monkey Haven, which relies on donations while it remains closed.

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