Lion Country Safari just unveiled a new home for their troop of squirrel monkeys in the park’s walk-through adventure park. The new habitat is approximately twice the size of the previous one and extends up to 16 feet (4.9m) at its highest point. As the squirrel monkeys explore their new environment, guests will have multiple viewing areas to observe from.
The habitat features several new elements for the monkeys to interact with, including a series of climbing branches, ropes, ladders, natural elements and an elevated “monkey highway” that runs around the interior habitat perimeter. The squirrel monkeys are settling in before additional species from the previous habitat (including a red-footed tortoise and rhinoceros iguana) move in.
Lion Country Safari is home to a breeding troop of 6 squirrel monkeys, including 3 males and 3 females ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years old. These monkeys are genetically valuable for the Squirrel Monkey Species Survival Plan (SSP) and have contributed positively to the SSP population. Squirrel monkeys are agile and adapted for life in the trees. They are highly social and live in groups ranging from smaller family subgroups to up to 300. Squirrel monkeys are currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but their wild populations are in decline due to habitat loss and the pet trade.
Lion Country Safari is Florida’s largest drive-through safari and is home to hundreds of animals, including some of the world’s iconic species roaming wide open natural habitats in large herds. Lion Country Safari continuously strives to be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please call the main office at (561) 793-1084 or visit us online at www.lioncountrysafari.com.