Spider Monkey Research

Currently Accepting!

AmaZOOnico´s Spider Monkey research program is the most important program currently running! The Yellow-bellied Spider Monkey population in Ecuador has decreased by over 50% in the last 45 years.

We currently have two Spider Monkey research teams that you can join. The pre-release team focuses on the four infant/juvenile spider monkeys stationed within amaZOOnico. The post-release team focuses on four sub-adult spider monkeys at the Makisapa Alpa station, who are preparing for release in November 2026.

Pre-Release Teams

Our pre-release program focuses on juvenile and infant spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth)

The aim of our researchers is to assess candidancy for release through observing the spider monkeys

Group structure
Social interactions
Activity budgets

We currently have two seperate Spider Monkey rehabilitation sites homing our newest release candidates.

Upon arriving at amaZOOnico you will be assigned to one of the sites (amaZOOnico or Makisapa Alpa) with our current research team.

Post-Release Teams

Our post-release program is specifically for the four sub-adult spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) who are preparing for release later this year!

This program offers a unique experience to report on and assess the spider monkeys

Spatial ecology
Foraging patterns
Social cohesion

Currently accepting researchers for November 2026 onwards for the post-release monitoring study

WHAT´S INVOLVED?

Upon your arrival at amaZOOnico you will assigned to one of the two teams depending on demand.

Depending on the team you are assigned to, your roles may include:

Development of effective enrichment protocols (specific to pre-release program only)
Collection of behavioural observations of the release candidates
Uploading of data using Epicollect5
Researching and taking notes from previous literature relating to spider monkeys and other neotropical primates
Writing a report relating to the notes taken from observational data

REQUIREMENTS

Proficiency in English or Spanish
Fee of $600 for 4 weeks, with a $50 reduction in the monthly rate for every month you extend.
Have OR be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree
Able to withstand environmental conditions of the Amazon Rainforest
Cover own travel expenses to and from our field sites
Non-residents of Ecuador must be able to obtain an Ecuadorian temporary resident visa if there is interest in staying for more than 6 months

*Ecaudorian nationals can please email for local price, and other candidates from developing countries who cannot afford to pay the full fee can apply for a discounted rate by sending their CV and motivation letter to: tesa@amazoonicorescue.org

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Click the "Apply as Spider Monkey Field Researcher" button below, then fill out the form and submit it.

Before completing the form, make sure you have the following documents ready:

CV (3 pages maximum)
Motivation letter
Contact information for two references

Apply as Spider Monkey Field Researcher

MEET: TESA MENDOZA

Tesa is our Conservation Director here at amaZOOnico, and the leader of our Spider Monkey program. Since completing her Undergraduate degree in Biology and a Masters in Primate Conservation, Tesa has had amazing success with the rehabilitation and releasing of primates in Costa Rica, her native home, with howler monkeys (Alouatta paliatta)

We feel grateful to have her leading our researchers through the reintegration of one of the most important species for the Amazon´s ecosystem in Ecuador.

Tesa is growing an incredible voice in the conservation community all around the world with her stance against wildlife trafficking, unethical tourist practices with animals and the unfortunate destruction of natural environments for humans profit.

There are too few people like Tesa brave enough to brand the conservation message, but researching here gives you the opportunity to work beside her and learn from her regular educational presentations.

WHAT HAVE OTHER RESEARCHERS SAID?

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Katelyn

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Andrew

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