A feasibility study has been under development to determine whether confiscated spider monkeys can be rehabilitated to survive in the wild. Funding is being sought to construct a large, naturalistic enclosure for socializing and rehabilitating a group of confiscated spider monkeys. Until that time, these animals remain with offenders, illegally held in desperately inadequate conditions. As soon as funding is secured and caging complete, these animals will be rescued and given a second chance. Should any monkeys prove to be non-releasable, due to health or behavioral issues, a second enclosure will provide opportunities to socialize with others of their kind and live a full and enriching life under semi-wild conditions.
Pre-release surveys will be conducted in 2010 to identify potential release sites for spider monkeys. Rehabilitation will take two to three years during which time, animals undergo quarantine and health screenings, are introduced gradually to larger and more complex enclosures and introduced to others of their kind to form cohesive social groups, learn to forage for natural foods and to move about expertly on limbs and vines. The release will occur during the dry season when the most fruits are available. Intensive post-release monitoring will occur for one to two months while animals are provisioned with food and water and observed.
