Spider monkeys are highly intelligent, arboreal primates with complex social lives. Their welfare in captivity depends critically on appropriate social grouping and vertical space.
Spider monkey welfare in captivity is severely compromised by insufficient vertical space, inappropriate social group sizes, and management systems that prevent the natural fission-fusion dynamics of their social lives. Isolated spider monkeys develop severe stereotypies and self-directed abnormal behavior. Pairs or small groups in bare enclosures show high levels of aggression and psychological distress. High-quality spider monkey welfare requires large, complex arboreal enclosures, flexibly managed social groups, and enrichment that extends foraging time across all daily hours.