Monkeys
Overview
We currently have more than twenty monkeys residing at Chessington Zoo grouped into the following species...
Red Handed Tamarins
The Red Handed Tamarin, also known as the Golden-Handed Tamarin, is found in the Amazon rainforest. They live in groups of between 4 and 15 individuals. Only the alpha female in the group will breed, typically giving birth to twins. Baby Tamarins are looked after primarily by their father and given to the mother for feeding times.
FUN FACT: This small monkey is a brilliant climber and jumper. They have been known to jump over 18m from one tree to another.
Pygmy Marmoset
These little monkeys are the smallest marmoset in the world, growing to less than 22cm in length, and that’s including their tail! Pygmy Marmosets mainly feed on gum or sap from trees. They make holes in the tree bark with their long claws and sharp teeth.
FUN FACT: Marmosets can become very aggressive if provoked by another animal. They are very territorial.
Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys
Bolivian Squirrel Monkey’s have light brown/yellow fur with a white face and a dark black patch on the crown of its head. Its tail is longer than its head and body, reaching approximately 38cm in length. Their small size however makes them a popular target for predators. They can live up to 30 years old in captivity.
FUN FACT: A group of Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys can be called a troop, barrel, tribe or cartload.
Black-headed Spider Monkeys
Spider monkeys get their name from their spidery limbs. They have coarse fur which is usually black, however it can also be brown, red or even golden. Spider Monkeys have a very loud call which can be heard up to 2,000 metres above the canopy, this is to help the troops keep spaced out in the forest and avoid fights.
FUN FACT: Female Spider Monkeys give birth every 2-3 years. The baby will be carried by the mother for almost 10 months.
Alaotran Gentle Lemurs
This woolly lemur has dark grey fur with a slight chestnut stripe around its crown. They are unique as they are the only primate to live in reed and papyrus beds in Madagascar. Gentle Lemurs form very strong social groups which are maintained through grooming one another.
FUN FACT: The word ‘lemur’ comes from the Latin word ‘lemures’ which means 'spirits of the night' or 'ghosts'.
The Monkeys can be found in the Monkey & Bird Garden.
Reviews
Here are the latest reviews for Monkeys.
You can see all the reviews that have been written for this in our Online Reviews Database, or maybe you could write a review of your own!
Sooo Cute!
The monkeys were SOOOOOOO cute. They were the highlight of my day!
Matthew Wilson, 2 May 2010
little monkeys
The monkeys are so cute you can't miss them if you go to Chessington. Well done to all the staff who look after the monkeys it must be a very hard job.
Megan, 18 January 2009
cute!
The spider monkeys are sooooooooo cute! I would love to adopt one! If I could it would be maggie!
pinar, 21 November 2008
monkeys!
the monkeys rock go monkeys wooooo monkeys
nelli, 22 June 2007
What Cuties
I thought the monkey walk through was great. The monkeys just act as if u are not even there. I thought the squrriel monkeys were sooooooooooooo cute. I wanted to take one home for myself. This is the best idea that the chessington staff have come up with
Sophie, 28 March 2007
