Black Howler Monkey
Alouatta caraya
Here at Banham Zoo
Look up in the trees, and you might spot our group of black howler monkeys! Despite their name, new-borns have golden fur, with males darkening to black as they mature; this is known as sexual dimorphism.
Did you know their howls are the loudest of any land animal? They can be heard from up to three miles away, so listen out for their iconic call on your next visit!
Where Do I Live?
Brazil,Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia
The black howler monkey is found from the dry forests of central Brazil into the rainforests of Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia.
What Do I Eat?
Their diet consists of mainly flowers, with fruit being eaten when available. Their ability to exist on foliage alone gives them an advantage when fruit is in short supply.
How Do I Breed?
After a pregnancy of around 6 months a single infant is born, which at first clings to its mother, later riding on her back until about one year old.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Near Threatened (NT)
Close to qualifying for Vulnerable.
Black howler monkeys are classed as Near Threatened as their population is decreasing due to habitat loss, hunting and diseases such as yellow fever.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Black Howler Monkey
located?
Our
Black Howler Monkey
is located in our
Explorer Zone
, map reference
14
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
