Squirrel Monkey Troop Ready for Mother’s Day at Taronga Zoo

Eight infant squirrel monkeys have joined the troop at Taronga Zoo Sydney. The zoo have introduced the new arrivals ahead of mother’s day this Sunday.

The zoo’s 26 strong squirrel monkey troop have been demonstrating how it takes a village to raise an infant through their unique parenting style. Squirrel monkeys use a social structure known as allo-parenting in which individuals other than the biological parents contribute to the care of the infant.

In a squirrel monkey troop it is not just other mothers that help. Siblings, aunties and non-breeding members of the troop may all assist the mother in caring for her young.

Through the use of this structure the young are given the care and attention they require while strengthening the bonds of the family.

At Taronga Zoo Sydney guests can meet the squirrel monkey troop at the top of the zoo between the koala walkabout and the Institute of Science and Learning. With their new arrivals the troop is a flurry of activity.

Bolivian squirrel monkeys are an arboreal primate species which can be found in Central and South America.