Meet Bellini, one of our two Bolivian gray titi monkeys! (Photo courtesy of area supervisor Grace Scott)

If you’ve visited the Zoo, you’ve likely met a lot of our more than 800 animal residents. Some animals are easy to spot, but others are often not as easy to see because of their habitat set up, their personalities or their sleep cycles among other things. We wanted to start a “Meet the Animals” section of our blog to introduce you to some of the residents that you may (or may not have) met yet!      

While strolling through the bustling Rainforest Revealed loop of our Zoo, you may catch two furry monkeys cuddled up next to each other; These primates are none other than our father-son duo, Bellini and Cooper!  

Native to Bolivian and Brazilian tropical forests, Bolivian gray titi monkeys are smaller in size, weighing around just 2 to 3 pounds. The beady-eyed animals have thick, fuzzy fur with a long tail, though they do not use their tails as a prehensile limb like some other primates do.  

The two joined our Zoo family in late 2021. 

Bellini, the 22-year-old father, is more dominant and confident compared to his 10-year-old son, Cooper, who can be timid when it comes to new people and other animals. Because titi monkeys are typically on the shyer side, building a solid bond between our keepers and the monkeys is an essential part of caring for the species, said area supervisor Grace Scott. 

“I’ve worked with them since the first day I started over 3 years ago, just a month after they arrived at Brevard Zoo,” Grace said. “I’ve invested so much time to get to know both of them closely and create such a special bond with them. And with how timid and cautious they are, it really is so rewarding that they’ve decided to trust me and take part in growing this relationship with me, too.” 

This involves a lot of face-to-face, intentional bonding time each day to build a trusting relationship. Whether it’s feeding the two snacks, training them for learned behaviors or simply hanging out with them, patience is key when approaching the little monkeys.  

Since the small monkeys are not predators in their natural range, they tend to hang back when food is around. This means Bellini and Cooper are less likely to participate in training or keeper bonding around other animals, like their co-habitants, saki monkeys Stitch and Suni. So, Grace and her team choose times when their co-habitants are resting or sleeping to bring the snacks in! 

When it comes to training, Bellini and Cooper have mastered quite a few behaviors! During sessions, Grace and Keeper Dani Keller practice multiple behaviors to ensure we can provide the best possible care for the two while giving them choice and control.  

Aside from the basics like targeting and recall training, the monkeys have learned the “up” behavior, in which they stand on their hind legs, letting us get a good look at their body condition. 

Bellini and Cooper practice their station behavior. (Photo courtesy of area supervisor Grace Scott)

 We’re also working on encouraging them to voluntarily hop on a scale, as well as calmly shift toward their night house each night. Lastly, because Cooper’s feet often get dry, Grace and Dani taught him to voluntarily brace himself on a perch in front of keepers, so we can apply some ointment on his tiny feet!  

All these behaviors are important for allowing the animals to partake in their own wellbeing. Plus, positive reinforcement in the form of treats is always a good motivator, especially when they get their favorite snacks: peanuts and blueberries!  

Cooper and Bellini are most likely to be spotted toward the higher platforms of their habitat, where they spend their time sunning, grooming each or interlocking their tails in a bonding behavior known as “tail twining.”  

Tail twining is a sign of a strong bond between titi monkeys! (Photo courtesy of area supervisor Grace Scott)

Next time you pass through our Rainforest Revealed loop, be sure to pay these two a special visit! 

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.