Black howler monkey newest resident of South America section ZooParc Overloon

ZooParc Overloon has a new species on display. The park welcomes three black howler monkeys: one male and two females. The male and one of the female monkeys have already arrived in the Overloon park. The second female will follow in a few weeks

The three animals come to ZooParc as part of the breeding program and are from zoos in Lisbon, Barcelona and Zagreb. "The male and female have been given time to get used to each other and we have now placed them together. This is all going well. In a while the other female will also come to us," said head of animal care Steven van den Heuvel.

Forests cut downHowler monkeys live in southern Brazil and Paraguay, among other places, where they reside high in the trees of tropical rainforests. "These forests are often cut down to make room for soy plantations or livestock. As a result, the population of black howler monkeys in the wild is decreasing and there is a breeding program for this species," Van den Heuvel explained.

"We are therefore very happy that with the arrival of this species of monkey, which has been labeled 'vulnerable,' we can start contributing to the preservation of these animals," Van den Heuvel said. "And of course, we also hope for young black howler monkeys."

MadidiThe animals will take up residence in the new South America area at Overloon Park, which is the third zoo in the Netherlands to feature this species. Expedition section Madidi was officially opened last year. A large aviary currently houses forty Chilean flamingos, among others. Later this year, the second phase of the area will also be completed. Eventually, as many as twenty animal species will be on display in Madidi, including the black howler monkeys.

This species lives in groups and sleeps together in the same tree. With their long tail, the tip of which is hairless for extra grip, they hold a branch while sleeping. Male black howler monkeys can be recognized by their black fur, while females have a yellowish-brown color.

Roaring loudlyAs its name implies, the black howler monkey can roar loudly. They do this to make their presence known and to communicate among themselves. The howl of a black howler monkey can be heard up to three kilometers away. To produce this sound, this species has an extra-large larynx and a throat pouch.