Beardsley Zoo welcomes its newest resident

Connecticut”™s Beardsley Zoo announced the arrival of its newest resident with the birth of a black-handed spider monkey to parents Janet and Gilligan on Aug. 22.

Black-handed spider monkeys are a threatened species that live in tropical rainforests from southern Mexico through Central and South America to Brazil. They spend much of their time in treetops and consume nuts, fruits, leaves, bird eggs, and spiders.

The new arrival, who has yet to be named, will spend its first 16 weeks of life carried on its mother”™s stomach, until it is strong enough to be carried on her back. The monkeys have free choice in whether to be inside or outside of their enclosure, and large guest viewing windows are offered in both locations.

“These monkeys are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Program, an important part of helping these endangered animals,” Zoo Director Gregg Dancho said. “This species is threatened by intense habitat degradation and deforestation, so a baby born here is an important ambassador, raising awareness of habitat protection and contributing to the survival of its species.”