The Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha) is a mammal in the Ateliidae family. It is related to the Spider Monkey.
The Woolly Monkey has a thick coat of brown fur with a light-brown head. It has a dark-brown, prehensile tail that can grasp branches. Its belly is black. Its arms and legs are about equal in length.
It grows to about 55 centimetres (22 inches) tall. Its tail measures 40-61 centimetres (16-24 inches) long.
It is found in the tropical rainforests of South America, in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru.
It prefers the upper branches of trees, and can climb and jump extremely well.
It lives in a social group, called a band, with 10-45 individuals. When they look for food, they form smaller bands of 2-6 individuals. The alpha male leads the band.
The Woolly Monkey is an omnivore, feeding on fruit, leaves, seeds, and flowers, as well as small invertebrates, such as insects and worms. Its predators include jaguars, wild cats, and eagles.
The female is pregnant for 226-232 days before giving birth to one live young. The young Woolly Monkey is born with a dark face that lightens with age.
It lives for about 33 years in captivity.
Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM