The San Diego Zoo welcomed a Guianan squirrel monkey infant on Aug. 25, 2026, born to mom Rocket and dad Jinx.
The new arrival's sex has not yet been determined. Zoo officials say the infant is getting stronger every day as it clings to its mother and learns to vocalize and communicate with the troop.
Guianan squirrel monkeys are native to northern South America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. Adapted to both wet and dry forests, the monkeys have small bodies and long limbs that help them move through the trees.
Females give birth to one infant at a time. Young squirrel monkeys are cared for and carried by their mothers and other females in the troop. At about two months old, they begin exploring on their own but
continue relying on adults until about age one.
Visitors can see the growing infant and the rest of the squirrel monkey troop at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Throughout October, children ages 11 and younger can receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. More information is available at zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to inspiring a passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and conservation efforts at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both accredited zoological institutions and botanical gardens.
Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science, and collaboration, the organization has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species into their native habitats. The organization reaches more than 1 billion people annually through its conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, which is available in children's hospitals across 14 countries. The alliance says its conservation work is made possible by its Wildlife Allies, including members, donors, and guests.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baby Guianan squirrel monkey grows stronger every day
