In the upper canopies of lush, green, rain forests, the abundant warmth from the sun provides a perfect climate for the growth of fruits, seeds and nuts.  All fodder for hungry squirrels, well, Squirrel Monkeys that is!  Add some bird’s eggs and insects to the menu and you would have their favorite buffet.   

Common to South America’s rain forests, these petite, squirrel-like primates weigh only about 2 pounds.  At 16 inches long, their tails extend 4 inches past their body height. They utilize their lengthy tails for balance and stability while swiftly shifting from branch to branch and tree to tree.

Turtleback Zoo gives these nimble and lively monkeys the variety of toys needed to amuse and engage themselves on a daily basis.   For zoo keepers, it is like being a parent attending a children’s play date that never ends!