Squirrel monkey

Saimiri sciureus

squirrel monkey
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Mammals
Order: Primates
Family: Cebidae

Our group of squirrel monkeys can be found down Monkey Walk – keep an eye out for the 4 babies, who were born in April 2021.

These primates are native to tropical forests in Central and South America. They spend most of their time in the canopy, and rarely come down to the forest floor.

Nimble fingers and a natural curiosity allow these monkeys to forage for a wide range of plants and insects for food.

Interesting facts!

  • Squirrel monkeys are thought to be one of the most intelligent species of primate and are known to have the largest brain to body mass ratio of all the monkey species in the world.
  • They are known to spread urine on their hands and feet which means they are able to leave a scent trail whilst moving about in the trees.
  • They have incredibly good eyesight and colour vision which means that they are able to spot fruits amongst the dense vegetation with ease.

Conservation

Habitat destruction is decreasing the natural habitat of these monkeys, however they are common throughout their natural range. They are captured for the pet trade and sometimes for medical research.