Essentials

measuring up Squirrel monkeys typically weigh between one and four pounds, with males being heavier. Their body length is usually under 12 inches, while their tails are 14 to 16 inches long.

where on earth Widely distributed throughout Central and South America’s tropical rainforest, squirrel monkeys can be found high up in the trees, safe from predators lurking on the ground. Squirrel monkeys are natural acrobats, leaping from branch to branch to move around and using their long tails like balancing poles. The squirrel monkeys at Riverbanks have a variety of perching options to match their natural habitat. Their enclosures have branches of all shapes, sizes and textures that are set at different angles and heights to mimic the canopy of a rainforest

zoo’s who Five squirrel monkeys (three females and two males) reside in two exhibits in the Riverbanks Conservation Outpost tunnel. Through the large viewing glass, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the monkeys’ daily activities and natural behaviors. You may see them jumping from branch to branch, patrolling their territory, foraging for food or curled up in a ball for a mid-afternoon nap. And if you don’t see them, don’t worry; just look up! Some of their favorite spots are at the very top of the branches.

weird but true Male and female squirrel monkeys have different types of color vision. Males can distinguish between only two colors, while most females can distinguish between three. Since squirrel monkeys live in mixedgender groups, this difference may be mutually beneficial. One theory is that females are better at distinguishing between ripe and unripe fruits, while males are better at spotting camouflaged predators.

did you know? For squirrel monkeys, there is safety in numbers. Though they are small in size, they make up for it by living in groups called troops. These troops can range from a dozen to well over a hundred. Being social has its benefits. More monkeys in a troop mean more eyes looking out for predators such as hawks, boa constrictors and ocelots. They will use loud vocalizations to warn of danger so that troop members can flee. Squirrel monkey troops prefer living in the middle level of the canopy—far enough from the forest floor to avoid ground predators but not too high to be spotted by birds of prey.

in the wild Though squirrel monkeys are not endangered, they do face the threat of habitat destruction. Every year millions of acres of rainforests are cut down for commercial development, shrinking the species’ home range and dividing large populations. A single highway or barrier can permanently separate vast numbers of squirrel monkeys, resulting in less genetic diversity. Another threat to squirrel monkeys is the exotic pet trade. Wild squirrel monkeys are often taken from their natural habitat and sold on the black market. This can be disruptive to an already fragile ecosystem.

The best way to help squirrel monkeys is by being an advocate for the environment. You can do your part to save the rainforest and ensure a safe future for these amazing animals by educating others about the importance of the rainforest, reducing your carbon footprint and purchasing responsibly sourced products. how you can help

PLANT SPOTLIGHT

Spring is a great time to plant caladiums. These tubers (basically like bulbs) can be planted in the spring as the soil starts to warm up. One variety that we really love at Riverbanks is Caladium ‘Gingerland’. The foliage is white with raspberry-colored speckling and is embordered by a green edge. ‘Gingerland’ is a dwarf variety, topping out at 12 to 18 inches, and is great in full sun or partial shade. This gem works great around the edges of a border. We recommend planting in masses with a minimum of 20 to 25 tubers needed to make an impact in beds. Caladiums are typically treated as annuals in our climate and will give you wonderful foliage up until the first frost.