All owl monkeys are housed in species typical social units (monogamous pairs or families). Mates for the singly housed bachelor males are being aggressively perused and CDC has apparently sufficient females retired from malaria research to provide suitable companionship for all out males.

Owl monkeys are observed in the early evening (at dusk and for the two hours after nightfall) to monitor feeding and social behavior. Enrichment bottles (plastic bottles filled with food items) are regular presented to all socially living owl monkeys.

All owl monkeys (including the blind/visually impaired monkeys) are observed to spend most of their active hours foraging for insects. We have noticed one pair 12 (Mojo and Cleo) foraging for insects in the vines growing up one side of their cage. Consequently vegetation is being encouraged to grow in other cages. Dead vines are regularly hung and fixed in the owl monkey cages and the monkeys very much enjoy this challenging substrate to move on. The vines have to be replaced regularly. Larger branches and stumps of wood are being added to the cages with blind and elderly monkeys who are not as active as the younger sighted owl monkeys.

In general all our owl monkeys are extremely active at night and those individuals who are not are carefully monitored and efforts are made to promote their exploration of their outdoor cages. We are confident that our owl monkeys, living in an undisturbed outdoor environment, are provided with as an enriched environment as possible given the restrictions of captivity. Frequent observations by experienced biologists and students and an intimate knowledge of the personalities of every owl monkey greatly enhance our captive management of these nocturnal monkeys.