Meet the Howler Monkeys
We’ve got news worth howling about — Olivia the howler monkey has two new friends! A few weeks ago, we welcomed two female southern black howler monkeys, Bennie (Olivia’s great granddaughter) and Maddie, from the Brevard Zoo. The girls are still getting to know each other, and Olivia is slowly getting used to having roommates again!
Meet the Girls
Bennie: Seven-year-old Bennie has a very blonde coat and moves FAST around the habitat. She is shy and likes to spend her time in the company of the older girls. But, she is slowly coming out of her shell!
Maddie: 23-year-old Maddie has a darker coat. She is quieter and more reserved than the other girls. She is comfortable spending time on her own or with others. Oh, and she really loves food! She is the quickest one to be territorial over her space.
Olivia: 26-year-old Olivia has lived at the Zoo for about 25 years. She hasn’t lived with other females before, so she’s learning how to read social cues from the girls. She’s holding her own and is slowly allowing them to share her space.
Next time you’re at the Zoo, make sure to stop by the howler monkey habitat to say hi to Olivia, Bennie and Maddie!
Meet the Howler Monkeys
The howler monkey is a species of New World monkey that is found in Central and South America. They are known for their loud, distinctive calls that can be heard up to three miles away. Howler monkeys are the largest of the New World monkeys and are known for their long, prehensile tails that they use to swing from branch to branch.
Appearance
Howler monkeys have a distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognizable. They have a black or brown fur coat with a lighter-colored belly. Their faces are usually black with white markings on the sides and around the eyes. They have long, prehensile tails that can be used to hang from branches and help them to maneuver through the trees.
Habitat
Howler monkeys are found in Central and South America, primarily in the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. They spend most of their time in the trees, where they feed on fruits, leaves, and flowers. They are also known to eat insects, eggs, and small mammals.
Behavior
Howler monkeys live in groups of up to 20 individuals. They are social animals and use their loud calls to communicate with each other. The males are the most vocal, and their calls can be heard up to three miles away. Howler monkeys are also known to be territorial and will defend their territory against intruders.
Conservation
Howler monkeys are currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their populations are declining due to deforestation and habitat destruction. They are also hunted for their meat and fur, and are sometimes kept as pets.
Conclusion
The howler monkey is a unique and interesting species of New World monkey that is found in Central and South America. They are known for their distinctive appearance and loud calls that can be heard up to three miles away. Howler monkeys are social animals that live in groups and defend their territories against intruders. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to deforestation and habitat destruction, and it is important that we work to protect their habitats and conserve their populations.
