Zoo to welcome spider monkeys to new habitat

BRIDGEPORT - Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will introduce a pair of Black-handed spider monkeys in their new habitat at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Supported by the Bradshaw-Mack family, the spacious indoor/outdoor habitat opens to the public this weekend. A male Spider monkey born in 2014, Gilligan, and a female Spider monkey born in 2000, T.T. (short for Tina Turner), have joined the zoo from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska.

The habitat features a landscaped outdoor yard with multiple opportunities for climbing and engaging in social behaviors. The monkeys have free choice in whether to be inside or outside, and large guest viewing windows are offered in both locations.

Zoo Director Gregg Dancho, board members, zoo staff, and habitat sponsor Melissa Bradshaw-Mack will gather on Saturday for a ribbon-cutting event to introduce the new species to the zoo. Grand opening festivities include refreshments with cake and beverages for zoo guests, free monkey plush toys for the first 150 children to arrive at the front gate, and an education station to share information on the zoo’s newest species.

Animal Care Specialists will be on hand to answer questions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children’s activities are scheduled in the Research Station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The new habitat is possible thanks to a substantial donation from the Bradshaw-Mack family, and support from the City of Bridgeport. Zoo officials said they are also grateful to the volunteer teams from CooperSurgical and Citrin Cooperman & Co, who helped with the habitat plantings, and the Mayor’s Conservation Corps for donating plants and materials.

Melissa Bradshaw-Mack said in a release “We are so proud to have been able to lend our support...

from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Zoo-to-welcome-spider-monkeys-to-new-habitat-14055490.php