White-faced Saki
Scientific Name
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Order
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Physical Description
White-faced sakis are small, sexually dimorphic monkeys that weigh about three to five pounds. Males have black fur surrounding their light brown faces. Females are lighter, with bright strips of hair from their eyes to chin. Both sexes have flat, wide noses. While they are primarily frugivores, sakis also eat seeds and occasionally small mammals and birds. These social primates live in small families of parents and offspring. For the first few weeks after birth, mothers are the primary caregiver, but fathers and siblings eventually help raise the young monkeys.
Interesting Fact 1
White-faced sakis can jump as far as 33 feet in a single bound, a helpful trick while escaping threats.
Interesting Fact 2
These diurnal monkeys are extremely quick, leaping between branches in a manner that has earned them the nickname “flying monkeys.”
Interesting Fact 3
They communicate through bird-like chirps, shaking their body, posturing, and loud growls.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.