Western Plains Zoo Welcomes Second Spider Monkey Infant

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 6, 2020 1:45 pm

The spider monkey infant clings to mum at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A second spider monkey infant has swung in to the family at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The female infant was born on October 5th 2020 to mum, Margarita and father, Pedro. This is their second infant.

“Margarita is an experienced mother and is taking to the role like an old hand. She is doing a good job caring for her newborn,” said Primate Keeper Rachel Schildkraut.

“The other juveniles in the group have shown a little bit of interest in the new arrival, coming over to have a closer look,” added Rachel.

For the first few months of its life the infant will cling to its mother and suckle as needed. After 3-4 months the infant will move on to its mother back.

The spider monkey infant clings to mum at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

This is the second spider monkey birth at Taronga Western Plains Zoo this year with the other infant born during August.

“The first baby is developing well and whilst he is still attached to mum, he is starting to occasionally reach out for things nearby and spends a lot of time looking around.”

“Our first baby can occasionally be observed dorsal riding, or riding on his mother’s back, but he is still a little uncoordinated.”

The spider monkey infant clings to mum at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

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“The best vantage spot to view the Spider Monkey babies is from the deck at the Zoo Café,” said Rachel.

Pedro has helped to kickstart a baby boom in the spider monkey family at Taronga Western Plains Zoo since he arrived from France in 2014. Since his arrival they have welcomed four female and three male infants.

Black handed spiders monkey live in Mexico and central America. Habitat loss has lead to their listing as endangered.

The spider monkey infant clings to mum at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Learn more about the black-handed spider monkey – Black-Handed Spider Monkey Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Taronga Western Plains Zoo on their website – Taronga Western Plains Zoo