WildView™

June 22, 2017

Moving Time

- as seen by -

Danielle Hessel

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In late spring, the Bronx Zoo’s New World monkeys (those monkeys from Central and South America) move to their outdoor enclosures for the season. One species visitors can see is the Bolivian gray titi monkey, or white-eared titi monkey, Callicebus donacophilus.

Bolivian gray titi monkeys range from eastern Bolivia to western Brazil. Titis weigh 2 to 4 pounds and are considered medium-size monkeys. They live in monogamous pairs or family groups and are known for twining their tails together when resting on branches. Bolivian gray titi monkeys generally have one offspring at a time. While all family members occasionally carry the infant, the father has the primary responsibility until it is old enough to survive on its own. Both sexes have the distinctive, light-colored ears that their common name reflects, though the male is generally a darker brown color.

I was always a shy child, observing a situation until I felt comfortable, and then opening up and participating. More than any other monkey species I’ve had the opportunity to work with, the “fearful brave” personalities of titi monkeys resonate with me. Once titis get to know and trust their keeper, they come racing over—but until then, they observe from a safe distance.

If these fluffy monkeys capture your heart the way they did mine, stop by the Bronx Zoo’s Mouse House this summer to see them.

Nikon D4

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