IT’S A GIRL! CONNECTICUT'S BEARDSLEY ZOO ANNOUNCES GENDER REVEAL AND NAMING CONTEST FOR BABY BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY

What: Beardsley Zoo is excited to announce that its newest Black-handed Spider Monkey baby is a female! To celebrate this new addition, the Zoo is inviting the public to select her name by voting in an online poll.

Who: Baby Girl Spider Monkey - Born on December 18, 2025 and thriving under Janet’s care Janet (Mother Monkey) – Arrived at Beardsley Zoo in 2022, experienced and attentive mother

Why: Black-handed Spider Monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they play an important role in maintaining healthy rainforest ecosystems. The species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, making births like this especially significant. This arrival reflects Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s continued commitment to conservation, education, and cooperative breeding efforts.

Vote: The Zoo is asking the public to choose the baby’s name! Animal Care Specialists selected three beautiful name options, each inspired by the spider monkey’s natural range.

Voting is open until Thursday, March 5th, at 11:59 PM. Name Choices:
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• Esperanza (hope)
• Mirabel (wonderful)
• Reyna (queen)

Only votes submitted through this link form will count: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/yvWxLTE/spidermonkey

Name Reveal: The winning name will be announced to the public on Friday, March 6th at 10am via the Bearsley Zoo social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctbeardsleyzoo/?hl=en

Media Opps: Call or text 203-257-0031 for footage / photos of Janet & baby spider monkey.

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