Squirrel monkey at Paignton Zoo, Devon
Class: Mammals
Order: Primates
Family: Cebidae
Squirrel monkeys are New World monkeys endemic to the canopy layer of tropical forests in South America (countries such as Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador).
This small primate is omnivorous, meaning they eat fruit, flowers, berries and various insects.
Conservation
Habitat destruction is decreasing the forest habitat of these monkeys, however they are common throughout their natural range. They are also captured for the pet trade and sometimes for medical research.
Our squirrel monkeys are part of the EAZA ex-situ breeding programme for the species.