Red-faced black spider monkey

Animal facts

Spider monkeys have very long arms, highly flexible shoulder joints, and, unlike other monkeys, they have no thumbs on their hands. Like many other South American monkeys they have a prehensile (grasping) tail, which can grip branches. All these adaptations make them agile movers through the rainforest canopy.

The special tails also act as a support whilst resting and can bring fruit-laden branches closer during feeding. The tail is strong enough to support the whole body weight of the monkey.

Spider monkeys Branco and Cher show off their first baby, Sonni.

Where they live

South America

Habitat

Tropical forests

What they eat

Mainly fruit, some leaves and insects