Join us for a light breakfast while learning about the Peoria Zoo’s Monkeys. Then go monkey around with our monkeys as they enjoy their breakfast too!
The Peoria Zoo houses 4 species of monkeys: cotton-top tamarins and spider monkeys which are New World Monkeys; colobus monkeys and mandrills which are Old World Monkeys.
Some New World Monkeys, including spider monkeys, have prehensile or grasping tails. No species of Old World Monkeys have this adaptation.
Spider monkeys also have a friction pad on the underside of their tails to help with moving quickly through the tree tops. Each monkey has a distinct ridge pattern on their friction pad, similar to human fingerprints
The Zoo’s Tropics Building houses the spider monkeys and an exhibit is being renovated as a new home for the tamarins. The Building also house 2 species of lemurs. Lemurs are not monkeys but belong to the primate groups that also includes monkeys and apes. Lemurs in the wild can only be found on the island of Madagascar.
A few fun facts to know about the animals you will see:
- Did you know our spider monkeys love celery
- our mandrill always leave broccoli behind
- our Ring-Tailed lemur like ice treats
Come and learn all about our primates and what they eat here at the Peoria Zoo. This event is perfect for the entire family – enjoy breakfast and then head out and see the rest of the Zoo. You can register for either day: Saturday, June 21 or Sunday, June 22, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Cost of this event is $7.50 for members and $15.00 for non-members.
For questions or to register, call the Peoria Zoo Education office at (309) 681-3513 or check our website at www.peoriazoo.org.