Guianan Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus) Fact Sheet: Managed Care

(Kym Janke, personal communication, 2023)

Shelter

• Habitat
• Trees, ropes, and other structures for climbing
• Temperature
• Prefer a range of approximately 60 to 90°F
• Seek heated spaces under about 60°F
• Nesting boxes
• Move between “rooms” frequently
• Multiple animals may share a nest box

Social interactions

• Highly social
• Form large groups
• Groom and spend extensive periods with one another

Diet

• Primate biscuits
• Plus select vitamin supplements
• Roots and veggies
• Leafy greens
• Seeds and nuts
• Insects and worms
• Other novel items, such as fruits and hard-boiled eggs, may be offered on occasion

Enrichment

• Movement and spatial
• Ropes for climbing and jumping
• Substrates for digging
• Dietary
• Food hung in trees
• Encourages problem solving and physical activity
• Cognitive
• Puzzles, such as objects to open or manipulate
• Sensory
  • Novel scents