Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Located next to Playa Patagonia, our Heart of the Amazon habitat is home to a mixture of primate and fish species you would find in the South American rainforest.
Saki monkeys use cries or twitters to communicate in family groups, but a loud roar serves to warn other animals away from their territory.
Squirrel monkeys are very social animals and typically live in groups of 20-75 individuals. We have had previous breeding success with both primate species in this habitat.
This habitat is home to
2
primate species
This habitat is home to
4
fish species
Squirrel monkeys live for
25 years
in the wild
Piranhas can lay
10,000
eggs at a time
Animals in Heart of the Amazon
Guianan Bearded Saki Monkey
Chiropotes sagulatus
From: South America
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: When sleeping, saki monkeys roll themselves up like a cat in the branches.
Find me in: Heart of the Amazon
Mammals
Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
From: South America
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: The common pleco is also known as the sucker mouth catfish, due to its sucker-like mouth which helps it stick to surfaces.
Find me in: Heart of the Amazon
Fish
Red-bellied Piranha
Pygocentrus nattereri
From: South America
Status: Not Listed
Quick Fact: Piranhas have a reputation for being ferocious predators, however their frenzied attacks are rare.
Find me in: Heart of the Amazon
Fish
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
From: South America
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: Silver dollars are related to piranhas and are indeed often mistaken for their predatory cousins.
Find me in: Heart of the Amazon
Fish
Squirrel Monkey
Saimiri sciureus
From: South America
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: Squirrel monkeys spend most of their time foraging for fruit as well as insects and other small prey.
Find me in: Heart of the Amazon
Mammals
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