Drusillas Park, near Alfriston, has welcomed a family of five Colombian black spider monkeys – which are classed as vulnerable.
The species, native to the rainforests of Columbia, was last at the zoo in the 1980s.
The monkeys are under serious threat due to widespread deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the illegal wildlife trade.
The family consists of dad Mo, mum Jamundi, children Ernie, six, Dilly, one, and Mo’s new mate Moa.
They travelled from Twycross Zoo in the East Midlands on Monday, October 20.
The Colombian black spider monkeys are classed as vulnerable (Image: Drusillas)
A specially designed, immersive habitat with climbing structures, natural planting and enrichment zones has been created for them at the site of the former Lar Gibbon enclosure.
It contains tropical planting, including Trachycarpus palms and a variety of climbable trees with built-in divots. There is also an indoor area with heating and a fresh-air ventilation system.
They have already been seen swinging on ropes, exploring high platforms and foraging through their first enrichment challenges.
Head keeper Gemma Romanis said: “Welcoming a new animal group is always a milestone for the park and the spider monkeys are already proving to be full of character.
“They’re intelligent, social and incredibly entertaining, we know visitors are going to fall in love with them instantly.
“It’s been a real team effort to prepare for their arrival. From habitat design and specialist diets to social dynamics and behavioural enrichment, we’ve worked closely with the team at Twycross to ensure a smooth transition and the highest standards of care.”
Zoo manager Mark Kenward said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have spider monkeys back at the park – we haven’t had them at Drusillas since the 1980s.
“We’re still getting to know them and watching their personalities emerge, but it’s impossible not to fall in love with these big, gangly, and wonderfully expressive monkeys.
“Their arrival also plays a vital role in our conservation efforts. As a vulnerable species, having a breeding group here means we can contribute to global initiatives aimed at protecting their future.
“Dad Mo has already fathered two infants with his previous partner, Jamundi, and we’re hopeful he’ll welcome more little ones with his new mate, Moa.”