Baby Squirrel Monkey Born At San Diego Zoo

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Zoo has welcomed a baby Guianan squirrel monkey, zoo officials announced Tuesday.

The infant was born Aug. 25 to mother Rocket and father Jinx. Its sex has not yet been determined.

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The young monkey is clinging to its mother, growing stronger and learning to communicate with other members of its troop, according to the zoo.

Native to northern South America, Guianan squirrel monkeys live in forests in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. Females typically give birth to one infant at a time.

Young monkeys are carried and cared for by their mothers and other females in the troop. They begin exploring independently at about 2 months old but continue relying on adults until they are about a year old.

Visitors can see the squirrel monkey troop at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

Throughout October, children ages 11 and younger receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. More information is available at zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free.