SALISBURY, Maryland — The Salisbury Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of two new black-handed spider monkeys, a mother-daughter duo named Sadie and Ripley. The pair recently traveled from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska to join the Zoo’s resident male spider monkey, Rozindi. Their arrival will help strengthen the troop and provide valuable companionship for Rozindi.
Sadie and Ripley will undergo a gradual introduction process with Rozindi before making their public debut in early March. During this time, visitors to the Zoo may hear a variety of vocalizations as the monkeys become acquainted with each other.
Each member of the troop has distinct features that visitors can look for when observing them. Rozindi is slightly larger than the females and has a red tint to his fur. Sadie, the eldest at 25 years old, is missing part of her tail due to a prior injury and amputation. Ripley, the smallest of the trio at just 5 years old, has light blonde fur and a fully intact tail. Rozindi, 8, and Ripley are half-siblings, sharing the same father. Rozindi also has a long-standing bond with Sadie, as they were raised together in Omaha before arriving in Salisbury.
Black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are classified as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their wild populations are declining due to habitat loss from deforestation, illegal pet trade activity, and naturally low reproductive rates, which make population recovery challenging. The Salisbury Zoo is honored to care for these animals, serving as ambassadors for their species and raising awareness about conservation efforts.
The Zoo invites the community to visit and learn more about these remarkable primates as they settle into their new home. For updates and additional information, follow the Salisbury Zoo on social media or visit our website at salisburyzoo.org/about-us/news/.
