Black-capped Squirrel Monkey
The monkeys in our new exhibit are black capped or Bolivian squirrel monkeys. The species is a South American squirrel monkey, found in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.
The species lives in the Rainforest and mainly eat insects, fruit and seeds. These monkeys live in multi-male, multi-female groups and are considered to be the most active, social and vocal of all the squirrel monkeys.
The squirrel monkey’s status in the wild is threatened from use in biomedical research and as pets, bait and food. Currently ZSL London Zoo, along with other zoos in England, is involved in breeding programmes aimed at increasing numbers of this primate species. Our squirrel monkeys are part of the European Endangered Species Programme.
ZSL London Zoo has worked with Royal Parks and Westminster City Council to extend the Zoo boundary to accommodate our new enclosure.