Black-handed Spider Monkey
Ateles geoffroyi
Conservation Status: Endangered
Range: Central America, Mexico to Panama
Habitat: Upper canopy of primary and secondary rainforests
Size: 2 feet tall; 12-20 pounds
Diet in the Wild: Fruits, leaves, nuts, flowers, seeds, invertebrates, eggs
Diet in the Zoo: Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, leaf-eater biscuits
Lifespan: 20 years in the wild; 45+ years in human care
Also called Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, they are named for their extremely long, slender, "spidery" limbs and their hands and feet are covered in very dark brown or black fur. Their prehensile tail functions as a fifth limb, having adapted over the years to allow for grasping and manipulating objects. These monkeys are highly social animals and live in large groups in the wild. Their numbers have declined due to habitat destruction and poaching.
Fun Facts!
- Unlike virtually every other primate, spider monkeys have no thumbs! The genus name Ateles is ancient Greek for "incomplete", a nod to their lack of thumbs!
- Spider monkey tails have a large bald patch on the end of their tail to help with grip, much like the bare palm of your hand! This bare patch also carries its own unique pattern of lines, just like a fingerprint!