The Lincoln Children’s Zoo has announced the birth of a female black-headed spider monkey, born on May 26, to her mom, Lola, and dad, Carlos.
This is Carlos and Lola’s third baby, following Tonnie in 2020 and Angelina in 2021. The new baby, who has yet to be named, and her mother are healthy and thriving, according to Zookeeper Tori Reynolds.
“The spider monkey troop is doing well with the new addition and are already protective of her. Angelina is especially interested in her new baby sister and is paying close attention to Lola’s interaction with the baby,” said Reynolds.
Like many species, spider monkeys are listed as endangered on the International Union Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, meaning they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Deforestation in the wild contributes to the spider monkey’s endangered status.
“This birth is incredibly important and aids in the effort to protect this species from extinction,” said Evan Killeen, Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO. “This baby and the rest of the spider monkey troop here at the Zoo serve as ambassadors for their endangered counterparts by helping to raise awareness of the threats they face in the wild.”
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program. The program develops a Breeding and Transfer Plan which identifies population goals and recommendations to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population.
The plan’s coordinators approved breeding recommendations for the Zoo’s spider monkeys Lola and Carlos.
The new baby’s habitat is located in the Secret Jungle at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, which will remain closed until further notice to allow a quiet space for mom and baby after birth. Once the Secret Jungle reopens, guests will be able to see mom, baby and the rest of the spider monkey troop in their habitat.
Photos of the baby and Lola, courtesy of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, can be viewed below.