Black-Handed Spider Monkey

The black-handed spider monkey is native to Central America and parts of southern Mexico and northern South America, depending on taxonomic treatment. Mature males commonly weigh about 16–20 pounds, while females usually weigh about 13–18 pounds. They have long limbs, a slender body, black or dark brown hands and feet, and a long prehensile tail used almost like a fifth limb. Spider monkeys are highly arboreal, intelligent, social, and active fruit-eaters. In the United States, they have been present in zoos and primate collections since the early-to-mid 20th century, but ownership and transfer are heavily regulated in many jurisdictions.