We’re celebrating the birth of a rare spider monkey, which is hugely important for the population of this vulnerable primate.
The baby Colombian black-headed spider monkey has already been spotted by lucky zoo visitors while being cradled in the arms of new mum, Kiara. Our keepers have revealed the precious newcomer is female and have named her, Olive.
The highly threatened primate is vulnerable to extinction in the wild, with more than 80% of its population having been lost in the last half a century. The world’s authority on the state of nature, The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has listed the species as Vulnerable – meaning it faces a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
This species of spider monkey is found mainly in Colombia and Panama in South America where it faces threats from hunting and the illegal wildlife trade. The ongoing destruction of their rainforest home, driven mainly by agriculture, has caused severe habitat fragmentation and the species now requires urgent attention to help safeguard their future.
Primatologists at the zoo are responsible for managing the co-ordinated efforts between European zoos that are working to boost numbers and safeguard the charismatic monkeys from disappearing altogether.
“It’s fantastic to see Kiara cradling baby Olive closely and being so attentive. Olive will cling to mum’s belly for a few months, before gaining enough confidence to start branching off on her own and start exploring independently – which will be great to see.”
Mark Brayshaw, Head of Mammals.
Mark continued: “Spider monkeys face huge survival challenges in the wild. In welcoming new life into the conservation breeding programme, we’re contributing to global efforts to secure a future for these highly endangered primates. In tandem with offering education, carrying out scientific research and improving public awareness, we hope to play our part in reversing their decline and ensuring the species thrives long into the future.”
To gain a wider understanding of the rare primates, numerous conservationists and researchers have studied the spider monkey group here at the zoo. These studies have developed methods for recording behavioural data which have then been transferred and applied to vital conservation action in the wild.
The species gets its name from its spider-like appearance thanks to their long, narrow limbs, long tails and black fur. Their prehensile tails are often longer than their bodies, acting as an extra limb that wraps around branches and allows them to move freely while collecting food with their hands.