Goeldi’s Monkeys Return to The Living Rainforest
Posted: 26 Jan 2026
We are delighted to announce that Goeldi’s monkeys are back at The Living Rainforest! Our two new arrivals, Penelope (aged 4) and Isabella (aged 5), were introduced to their new enclosure on Friday and are now settling into their rainforest home.
We have a long and special history with this rare species, dating back to 1997, when we cared for a pair called Sooty and Meeko. Their family helped start new groups at zoos across the UK. Penelope is the great-granddaughter of Sooty and Meeko, making her part of this wonderful legacy.
Goeldi’s monkeys are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly because their rainforest homes are being destroyed. By caring for Penelope and Isabella, The Living Rainforest is helping protect the future of this threatened species and teaching visitors about rainforest conservation.
Visitors can now come and see Penelope and Isabella exploring their new surroundings in our rainforest glasshouses.
Extra Information
About Goeldi’s Monkeys
- Scientific name: Callimico goeldii
- Native to the Amazon rainforest in South America
- Live in dense, bamboo-rich forest
- Eat fruit, insects and fungi
Why Are They Threatened?
- Rainforest destruction from logging and farming
- Hunting and trapping for the illegal pet trade
Our New Monkeys
- Penelope (aged 4) – great-granddaughter of Sooty and Meeko, from Drusillas Zoo
- Isabella (aged 5) – from Marwell Zoo
How The Living Rainforest Helps
- Part of an international conservation breeding programme
- Supports research, education and habitat protection
- Works with partners such as the University of Reading
Did You Know?
- Sooty, our original Goeldi’s monkey, lived to 28½ years old
- She was the UK’s oldest Goeldi’s monkey and one of the oldest in the world
