Newborn Squirrel Monkey Will Soon Call San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Home

At less than 3 weeks old, an infant squirrel monkey clings to its mother, Rocket, while inquisitively taking in the sights and sounds of its surroundings. Born to first-time parents at the San Diego Zoo, the strong and healthy infant made its entrance on November 14, and will eventually live in the Zoo’s soon-to-open Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

The 3.2-acre environment will feature four dynamic habitats-Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes-and the wildlife that live there. Zoo guests will be able to visit the young squirrel monkey in February 2022.

 

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Squirrel monkeys inhabit the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, where they primarily eat fruit and insects. Despite being listed as a species of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, squirrel monkeys do face threats in their native habitats, including habitat loss and wildlife trafficking for the pet trade.

If interested in learning more about Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, please see here.

See you there, San Diego!