Peoria Zoo Welcomes Three New Baby Spider Monkeys

The zoo's only adult spider monkey, Darla, will help care for the young primates.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Peoria Zoo has introduced three baby spider monkeys to the public after the young primates were confiscated at the U.S. border and brought to the zoo from Mexico. The zoo's executive director says the new additions will live with their 30-year-old counterpart Darla, who is an experienced spider monkey and mother.

Why it matters

Spider monkeys are a vulnerable species, and the addition of these three young monkeys to the Peoria Zoo's population is an important conservation effort. The zoo hopes Darla's presence will help the new arrivals acclimate to their new home.

The details

The three baby spider monkeys were confiscated by U.S. officials at the border about two and a half years ago, as they were being illegally transported for the pet trade. The zoo's executive director, Max Lakes, says the young monkeys will now live with Darla, the zoo's only adult spider monkey, who at 30 years old is an experienced mother and can teach the newcomers how to be spider monkeys.

  • The three baby spider monkeys were confiscated at the U.S. border about two and a half years ago.
  • Darla's long-time partner, Butch, passed away last year at the age of 53, believed to be the oldest of his species in managed care.

The players

Peoria Zoo

A zoo located in Peoria, Illinois that is now home to three new baby spider monkeys.

Max Lakes

The executive director of the Peoria Zoo.

Darla

The Peoria Zoo's 30-year-old adult female spider monkey, who will help care for the new arrivals.

Butch

Darla's former partner, who passed away last year at the age of 53, believed to be the oldest spider monkey in managed care.

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What they’re saying

“They were confiscated by U.S. officials at the border, and that was about two and a half years ago. They were being brought across for the illegal pet trade.”

— Max Lakes, Executive Director, Peoria Zoo (WMBD)

“Darla knows how to be a spider monkey, so with her being older and being raised in a group of spider monkeys, being a proven mother, she knows how to take care of them.”

— Max Lakes, Executive Director, Peoria Zoo (WMBD)

What’s next

The three baby spider monkeys have moved out of quarantine and are now living in a separate but close location to Darla. They are slowly being introduced to her and their new habitat, and can now be viewed by the public.

The takeaway

The addition of these three rescued baby spider monkeys to the Peoria Zoo's population is an important conservation effort for this vulnerable primate species. With the experienced adult spider monkey Darla to help care for and acclimate the young newcomers, the zoo is providing a safe and nurturing environment for the next generation of spider monkeys.