New and Mischievous Residents at ZOO Ljubljana

At the end of February, Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) arrived at ZOO Ljubljana. Nine curious and mischievous males came to us from Apenheul Zoo in the Netherlands. They settled into their new home in Ljubljana surprisingly quickly — within a week — so you can already see them in their indoor enclosure. In the coming days we will also release them onto the islands in the outdoor enclosure. 

Together they are safer
Squirrel monkeys are very social animals. In the wild they live in troops of 45 to 75 members, which may occasionally join into even larger groups. Group life gives them greater protection from predators and greater success when searching for food, especially insects. They strengthen social bonds by grooming each other, removing parasites and sharing in the care of the young. 

The importance of conserving squirrel monkeys at the ZOO
Conserving Bolivian squirrel monkeys in zoos goes beyond simply presenting them to visitors. It combines scientific research, careful genetic management and education about the importance of tropical ecosystems. In the wild, the species is currently listed as least concern, but its habitat in the forests of Bolivia, Brazil and Peru is shrinking due to deforestation, expanding agriculture, pesticide use, and illegal hunting and trade.
In European zoos the species is included in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which ensures coordinated breeding and maintains the genetic diversity of the population. Planned breeding and the exchange of animals between institutions prevents inbreeding and maintains the long-term vitality of the population, which can serve as an important reserve population should numbers decline in the wild.
Zoos also play an important educational and research role. Observing their social behaviour strengthens understanding of and support for nature conservation, while managed conditions enable research into nutrition, behaviour and reproduction, which contributes to better protection of the species in the wild. 

Come and see our cheeky newcomers!