Spider monkey born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln Children’s Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a female black-headed spider monkey, born on May 26, 2024, to mom, Lola, and dad, Carlos.

This is Carlos and Lola’s third baby, following Tonnie (May 2020) and Angelina (July 2021). Lola and the baby, who has yet to be named, are healthy and thriving. Zookeeper Tori Reynolds says 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.

“Spider monkeys are a critically endangered species that face threats of habitat deforestation in the wild. This birth is incredibly important and aids in the effort to protect this species from extinction. 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,” said Evan Killeen, Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO.

The Zoo plays an important role in animal conservation and protecting species from extinction. 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.

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 spider monkey habitat is located in the Secret Jungle. Guests are able to see mom, baby and the rest of the spider monkey troop at their habitat. Mom and baby have behind-the-scenes access and may not always be visible.