ATASCADERO — The Charles Paddock Zoo has welcomed three young Mexican Spider Monkeys, joining longtime resident Izzy, a 45-year-old spider monkey. The new arrivals, all under a year old, came from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo.

Mexican spider monkeys are an endangered species native to Mexico and Central America, facing threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. Their new habitat at the zoo recently received upgrades, with MGP Paintings sponsoring the renovation.

The Charles Paddock Zoo focuses on animals from biodiversity hotspots, which make up just 2.5 percent of Earth’s land surface but support nearly half of all unique bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. The zoo is home to over 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, a Malayan tiger, and more.

The zoo is open daily at Atascadero Lake Park. For more details, visit charlespaddockzoo.org