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Brevard Zoo welcomes newborn spider monkey
Brevard Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its troop of black-handed spider monkeys.
LAKE MARY, Fla. - Brevard Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its troop of black-handed spider monkeys.
The youngling, born to mom Shelley and dad Shooter, is doing well -- holding on strong to mom, and nursing successfully, according to zoo staff.
Shelley is also the mother to current troop members 19-year-old Tica, seven-year-old Prim, and two-year-old Olive. Tica is expecting her own baby in the near future, Brevard Zoo says.
"Shelley is a pro at caring for her offspring," said Lauren Hinson, the zoo’s Director of Animal Programs.
Shelley and the newborn are on habitat in Rainforest Revealed, "meaning eagle-eyed guests may be able to spot them in one of the zoo’s connected spider monkey habitats," Brevard Zoo says.
Native to Central and South America, black-handed spider monkeys are considered "vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss as well as the illegal pet trade."
The sex of the baby is not yet known.
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