Charles Paddock zoo welcomes three young Mexican spider monkeys
Monkeys join longtime resident spider monkey Izzy
– The Charles Paddock Zoo has introduced three young Mexican spider monkeys to its habitat, joining longtime resident spider monkey Izzy. The new arrivals came from another accredited zoo.
The new monkeys are under a year old, while Izzy is about 45. Mexican spider monkeys, an endangered species native to parts of Mexico and Central America, face threats from habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade. They are found in the Mesoamerica biodiversity hotspot, a region known for its extensive cloud forests and high concentration of plant and animal life.
The zoo recently updated the spider monkey habitat with fresh coatings. MGP Paintings is now the habitat’s sponsor, and zoo officials thanked Matt Gifford for his contributions to the project.
The Charles Paddock Zoo focuses on animals from biodiversity hotspots. These areas make up just 2.5% of Earth’s land surface but contain nearly half of all bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species that exist only in those regions. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo works to conserve endangered species.
The zoo houses more than 300 animals, including red pandas, fossa, meerkats, parrots, a Malayan tiger, and various reptiles. It is open daily at Atascadero Lake Park on Highway 41, one mile west of Highway 101. More information is available at charlespaddockzoo.org or by calling (805) 461-5080.
