Taronga Western Plains Zoo Spider Monkey Family Grows

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 19, 2020 12:37 am

The latest spider monkey infant with her mother

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo/ Rick Stevens

Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are celebrating an early onset of spring with the birth of a black-handed spider monkey. Mother Jai gave birth to her son on August 24th 2020.

When keepers arrived at work on August 24th they were delighted to find mom doting over her newborn which was successfully delivered overnight. Jai is an experienced mother having given birth to her first baby Isadore in October 2017.

“Jai was a natural mother first time around and is clearly still a calm mother taking caring for her second baby in her stride,” said Primate Keeper Sasha Brook.

“We are really happy with the maternal behaviours Jai is displaying and because we have a good rapport with her we are able to get up close to check on the baby and how it is doing and we are very pleased to see him doing well,” added Sasha.

For the first few months of its life visitors will see the infant clinging tightly to mom. By three to four months old it will become more active and start to explore.

The latest spider monkey infant with her mother

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo/ Sasha Brooks

Sasha said, “Visitors to the Zoo may find it difficult to see the new arrival at present as he is clinging to his mum’s tummy however, when they move to dorsal riding they are easier to see.”

Pedro arrived from France in 2014 and has kickstarted the breeding program at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Since he arrived he has fathered six infants with four females and two males being born.

“There are now six youngsters on the Spider Monkey island including the most recent baby born into the group and we are hopeful there is another baby on the way,” said Sasha.

The latest spider monkey infant with her mother

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo/ Sasha Brooks

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“It is really amazing to see the different ages in the group now and the watch the juveniles interact with the adults. Pedro is particularly good with the youngsters and is often observed playing with them.”

“Having another male born into the group is really exciting, it widens the genetic diversity in the group which benefits the regional conservation breeding program.”

“One day once he is mature he may move to another Zoo and sire babies of his own,” finished Sasha.