Skip to content
Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • Everyman & Playhouse
    • FunnyBoyz Liverpool
    • The Bentley Liverpool
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
    • Strawberry Field
    • Relish Liverpool
    • Best Liverpool Restaurants
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events Latest
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • A Tale of the Liver Birds
  • TRAVEL
    • Liverpool Airport
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
Search
Close

Chester Zoo celebrate the birth of rare spider monkey

September 26, 2021
|
by Editor
Chester Zoo celebrate the birth of rare spider monkey

The team at Chester Zoo have been celebrating the birth of a rare spider monkey, a species which is at risk of extinction.

The rare baby primate, a Colombian black-headed spider monkey, has been spotted being cradled in the arms of experienced mum, Kiara (11).

Colombian black-headed spider monkeys are considered vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are at risk of extinction, with more than a quarter of its population estimated to have been lost in just the last half a century.

Chester Zoo celebrate the birth of rare spider monkey

The South American primates are found mainly in Colombia and Panama where they are being increasingly threatened by hunting, illegal trafficking and the destruction of their tropical rainforest habitat.

Conservationists say the latest arrival at the zoo is an important boost to the international breeding programme, which is working to protect the species.

Dr Nick Davis, Deputy Curator of Mammals and primatology expert at the zoo, said:

“Colombian black-headed spider monkeys are vulnerable to extinction and so Kiara’s precious newcomer is a great addition to the international breeding programme for the species. 

“It’s fantastic to see Kiara cradle her new baby closely – she’s an experienced mum so has slipped right back into motherhood. The infant will start to venture off after around 6 months, but they’ll stay close to mum for about 12 months when the little one will be strong and confident enough to forage for food and climb independently. Keepers will be able to determine the sex once the infant starts to leave mum in a few months’ time.  

“This species gets its name from its appearance – their long, narrow limbs, long tails and black fur make them look almost spider-like. Their tails are often longer than their bodies and can be up to 85cm long, which acts as an extra limb, allowing them to move between tree branches while collecting food with their hands.

“They’re incredibly agile and fascinating to watch, spending the majority of their time high up in trees, leaping up to a distance of nine metres. They can walk in an upright position and communicate through high-frequency whinny vocalisations.

“The social structure of a group of spider monkeys is quite different to most other monkey species and the group here at Chester has proved to be really important to our wider scientific understanding of the species. Numerous conservationists and researchers have studied the spider monkeys here – developing methods for recording behavioural data which they’ve then transferred and applied to vital conservation action in the field.”

Colombian black-headed spider monkey facts:

  • Latin name is Ateles fusciceps rufiventris
  • Kiara’s baby was born on 29/08/2021
  • Mum is 11 years old while dad, Popoyan, is 32 
  • A single infant is born and is cared for by its mother until around the age of 20 months
  • The species is classed as vulnerable in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning they face a very real threat of extinction
  • They are native to Colombia and Panama
  • The species is under pressure from a high rate of habitat loss due to deforestation and huge hunting pressure
  • Their diet consists of fruit but they’ll also occasionally eat leaves, flowers and insects

For further information visit www.chesterzoo.org

READ MORE: Penguin at Chester Zoo receives sight-saving surgery

Gaucho has arrived in Liverpool!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print

THE LATEST

TheHousethatKittBuilt
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool lights up 2023 with free family-friendly entertainment 'Fiesta of Fire'
2022 Recruitment Day
Liverpool John Lennon Airport to host Recruitment Day for almost 200 airport vacancies
EUROVOL004
Eurovision host city wants YOU to get involved!
428b0c14f22ce4177a1e00a02bde4980cbea0afa
Temporary changes to Merseyrail Northern Line services in February
the beatles story
The Beatles Story invites you to a ‘Pilgrimage for George’ event commemorating his 80th birthday
FE8A85EF-093B-4EC2-9D52-3D18522712C1
Faces behind the Business – Neil Hodgson - Mean-Eyed Cat
Cover Me In Disco Discohead
Frederiks launches new disco night with a difference
FiL7qFgWIAEy42O
Jamie Webster, Lady Leshurr, Bob Vylan, Denis O'Regan announced for Sound City Conference
Liverpool ONE sign for Eurovision
New-look of the Liverpool sign gets unveiled at Liverpool ONE for Eurovision countdown
Knowsley Safari Kids Go Free free app car
Knowsley Safari offers free tickets during Teacher Strike 

WhatsAppenin LIVERPOOL!

Receive WhatsApp notifications about the latest big news, events, offers, competitions and much more!

SIGN UP NOW

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, and offers from across Liverpool!

We never share your information with anyone.

OTHER LINKS

  • Liverpool Maps
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy

SUB LINKS

  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

DIRECTORY LINKS

  • Business Login
  • Register
  • View Directory

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

© 2022 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Explore Liverpool With Us!

Don't miss a thing. Sign up for our weekly roundup straight to your inbox! 🙌

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!