Male spider monkey introduced to four new girlfriends at Orana Wildlife Park

The spider monkey has settled in well to his new surroundings.
The spider monkey has settled in well to his new surroundings. Photo credit: Orana Wildlife Park.

A new spider monkey has arrived at Orana Wildlife Park,Christchurch. 

Tostada, a 23-year-old male weighing 8kg was transferred from Hamilton Zoo last week as part of the regional breeding programme.

Orana Wildlife Park says Tostada settled in well to his new surroundings and was introduced to the zoo's four female monkeys on Friday. 

The females reportedly gave Tostada a warm welcome. 

"He is a lovely boy. He and the girls are really cute together we've seen lots of grooming each other which is a great sign," said exotic species manager Rachael Mason.

Naturally, park staff hope to hear the pitter-patter of small monkey feet in the future.

Spider monkeys, native to Central and South America, are currently endangered. They are extremely sensitive to habitat destruction and have been hunted as food, while young monkeys are captured in the wild and sold into the illegal pet trade.