A Shropshire zoo has recently welcomed a lively family of eight squirrel monkeys, transported 250 miles to their new home at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford. The troop, which includes Gustavo, Horacio, Maria, Tucette, Antonio, Garcia, Pedro, and Pablo, journeyed from Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent to settle into their new habitat.
Hoo Zoo’s director, Will Dorrell, expressed his excitement, emphasizing that these monkeys would serve as ambassadors for their species. He hopes their arrival will raise awareness about the critical need for rainforest conservation. “Sadly, squirrel monkey populations are declining due to poaching for the illegal pet trade. Our zookeepers can confirm that they would make terrible pets,” Mr. Dorrell remarked.
Although squirrel monkeys are not currently classified as endangered, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as vulnerable to extinction, mainly due to habitat destruction in the Amazon. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, these monkeys thrive in large, socially complex groups in the wild.
In preparation for their arrival, Hoo Zoo has created a new habitat that mimics the monkeys’ natural environment, complete with plants, trees, shrubs, and climbing areas. This thoughtfully designed enclosure is intended to encourage natural behaviors and social dynamics among the troop.
“We’re thrilled with how well the new arrivals are adjusting to their new surroundings, and visitors are already finding them fascinating to watch,” said Mr. Dorrell. “We worked tirelessly to have their enclosure ready for the February half-term break, and we’re so glad it’s come together just in time.”
In addition to the squirrel monkeys, Hoo Zoo is also home to Cinnamon the capybara, whose unexpected escape last year garnered international attention.