We welcomed capuchins Jelly, Sprout and Hummus to our Zoo recently!

A new primate species will soon be adventuring through our Rainforest Revealed sky pathways!

Three female white-throated capuchins now call this loop home. Fifteen-year-old Jelly, 13-year-old Hummus, and 16-year-old Sprout all come from another facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Like our three lion brothers, the capuchins’ move is a part of AZA’s Species Survival Plan, the goal of which is to maintain genetic diversity of animals in AZA-accredited facilities. This program outlines which animal residents can pair up to potentially have offspring. This trio’s arrival at our Zoo frees up spaces at other zoos for pairings of this species.

Jelly, Hummus and Sprout will live mainly in the habitat just beyond Pepper the cheetah’s retirement home. Our animal care team has put up new perching in the space to better suit this species, and the habitat’s former residents, our white-faced saki monkeys, have moved to nearby habitats.

Like our black howlers and black-handed spider monkeys, our capuchins will regularly get access to sky pathways to be able to choose how and where to spend their days. These species would never be in the same overhead tunnels at once, however.

While checking out the trio, you may notice that this species has a prehensile tail like our spider monkeys. The tail acts like an extra appendage, grabbing branches and snacks alike easily. Unlike most of our spider monkeys, capuchins have opposable thumbs as well. It’s going to be fun to watch these intelligent primates work with enrichment!

The native range for white-throated capuchins is in Central America and northern South America. They’re threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade. Here are a few tips to help:

• When you drink Bird Friendly Coffee, you are supporting farms that grow coffee in a way that helps migratory birds – and other forest dwelling animals – live their best lives in healthy habitats!
• E-waste, or electronic waste from old phones, computers, cords and similar products, is one of the fastest growing types of waste in the world, and when not disposed of properly, it can cause environmental harm. Bring your old phones and tablets to Brevard Zoo to recycle through eco-cell! A drop-off point is just outside the Zoo’s front entrance.
• Vulnerable wildlife is trafficked every day around the world – even right here in Florida – for the illegal pet trade. Before you select a pet, be sure to understand where the pet came from and never take an animal from its natural home. If you don’t know where the pet came from, find another source to ensure we work together to stop the illegal pet trade of the animals we all love.

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.