Zoo collections of owl monkeys in North America (or douroucoulis as they were popularly known) are listed in a studbook. At one time owl monkeys were well represented in US zoos and were a popular exhibit in nocturnal houses, playing an important educational role in demonstrating adaptations for nocturnal life. Today, however, it is not the case and they are now poorly represented in US zoos. Part of the problem was the previously unrecognized genetic diversity of the genus and the consequent production of many hybrid forms which presumably were either infertile or their fertility was greatly reduced.

The American Zoological Association (AZA) is responsible for management plans which influences greatly the species that are placed on exhibit in member zoos and also makes recommendations on whether and how many individuals of these species should be permitted to reproduce. These plans are controlled by Species Survival Groups for those species that are endangered and by Population Management Groups for less vulnerable species. Owl monkeys are managed by a Population Management Group.

Owl monkeys continue to be imported into the United States from Peru (under the auspices of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with National Institutes of Health and the Peruvian Primate Program), but these monkeys are used exclusively for bio-medical research in laboratories. The owl monkeys imported from Peru are one of two species, A. nancymaae or A. vociferans. Historically two collections of owl monkeys have provided some information on Aotus biology and behavior - the A. l. griseimembra collection of the Wellcome Laboratories of Comparative Physiology at the Zoological Society of London (Dixson, 1982) and a small collection (approximately 15 individuals) of Panamanian owl monkeys, presumably A. l. lemurinus, at the Smithsonian Institution at Barro Colorado Island in Panama (Moynihan, 1964).

In order to improve the research resource potential of our owl monkey collection, the DuMond Conservancy intends to first complete the karyotyping of any individuals for which this has not been established. Karyotyping will be conducted by Dr. Jean DuBach at Brookfield Zoo. Secondly, we intend to reduce in numbers but broaden in species diversity the collection.

Some of the DuMond Conservancy A. nancymaae can be placed on exhibit in zoos. This will be done in collaboration with the AZA New World Taxon Advisory Group. We propose to acquire additional Aotus species that are poorly represented in the collection at the moment.