Black-Handed Spider Monkey

Zoey is our younger female who was born here in March of 2010. When she was two years old, we brought in Amy, and all-black, older female to keep her company and teach her how to be a spider monkey. In the spring of 2019, we welcomed Boba, a young male, to join their troop. They each have very distinct personalities, and can often be found swinging on the ropes and trees in their enclosure or cuddling up to groom each other.

Ateles geoffroyi

30-40 years

Human destruction of the spider monkey's native habitat has caused severe population decreases.

Ripe fruit makes up the majority of the spider monkey diet, but they also eat leaves, flowers, and seeds. At The Zoo, our spider monkeys receive a specially-formulated primate food that gives them all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy. Spider monkeys have a prehensile tail, meaning they can use their tail as an extra hand to grasp objects, like branches.

Spider monkeys thrive in matriarchal societies, and are thought to be the most intelligent of the New World monkeys.

Conservation Status

Threats in the Wild

Black-handed spider monkeys are decreasing in prevalence in the wild. Logging poses a great threat to this species as it destroys their habitat and food sources.

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