Our beloved Bolivian Squirrel Monkey leads her lively troop with five kids, three grandkids, and a great-grandchild swinging by her side!

As a proud monkey matriarch, Nana is the heart of her troop.

Something that many of us recognise from our own families, grandparents often carry the stories, the traditions, and give lots of love. And Nana does the same, in a squirrel monkey way!

Her real name is Zuurstokje, Dutch for 'candy cane', but her sweet-as-sugar energy quickly earned her the nickname we all know and love, Nana.

Perth Zoo Primate Keeper Georgia Keir-Uhern said Nana is a special little lady.   

“She has this way of looking right into your soul. Most squirrel monkeys avoid eye contact, as it can be quite intimidating, but Nana seeks it out. She wants to connect,” Georgia said.

“Everyone knows she’s the boss, she’s a calm and confident matriarch.

“If any of her troop challenge her, she handles it calmly and always comes out on top.

“We all adore Nana. She always wants to check you out and interact. It’s almost like she’s everyone’s Nana!”

It’s a beautiful sight to see when the whole family is amongst the branches, sharing snacks and chatting in their unique calls all under Nana’s watchful eye.

In the wild Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys can live in big groups, some with over 500 members!

That’s about the same number of Aussie athletes who competed in the 2024 Olympics!

Holding a special place in her keepers’ hearts, Nana Has helped inspire a love and appreciation for her species in the wild.

Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys face serious threats from habitat loss caused by logging and farming, as well as being trafficked for the illegal pet trade.

But Nana’s growing family is proof of what good zoos can achieve through coordinated regional breeding programs working to save species.

She’s not just a monkey, she’s a grandma. And in any species, that’s something truly special.

Whether you’re walking on two legs or swinging through the trees, your grandparents are always worth celebrating.

This Grandparents Day, October 26, go bananas with us at Perth Zoo!

Enjoy giant games on the Main Lawn, Grandparent Day specials at the café and visit all your favourite animal friends! More information at perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Swing by the primate trail and catch our FREE Squirrel Monkey talk and feed at 2PM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.