Inspiring Photos: The Spider Monkeys of Rainforests

Belize is a country of untamed rainforests, and within their boundaries is a tremendous diversity of plant and animal life. As you walk through the jungle your gaze is often focused on the immense trees. If you are lucky, you may experience the sight of a clan of spider monkeys, swinging through the canopy of the trees in search of food. Fruits, which are plentiful in the rainforest, are their favorite, but they will also eat nuts, leaves, and small animals. Spider monkeys hold an important place in rainforest ecology. As seed dispersers they support the diversity of plant life in the forest.

Spider monkeys at the Belize Zoo. Inspire EdVentures LLC

One of the centers for rainforest preservation is the Belize Zoo, where the photograph of this mom and her wide-eyed offspring was taken. The Zoo is also a center for biodiversity conservation and education. The spider monkeys at the Zoo are all there either because they were either injured or rescued from interactions with humans. Since they can’t return to the wild, they serve as the ambassadors of their species to thousands of curious visitors per year.

Thank you for your support! If you'd like to do more - share the spider monkey’s story with those who admire this photo, or schedule a virtual tour of the Zoo through us for your organization. Together, we can make a difference.