Howler monkey
Red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) announce their presence with loud vocalizations in Howler Junction. An enlarged goiter-like hyoid bone gives resonance to their sounds. The large larynx is covered with a thick beard, making the head look extremely large. Howlers are between 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) long (not including a tail that is 19-29 inches (48-73 cm) long) and weigh between 12-24 lbs (5-11 kg). “Rifito” is the dominant male in Howler Junction.

Baby howler monkey
Some of the howlers in the troop at The Dallas World Aquarium were confiscated by Venezuelan authorities, after having been house pets for many years. After a successful introduction into their exhibit, they have produced three offspring. The illegal pet trade continues to be one of the major threats to these animals.

Red-rumped agouti
The Red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta agouti) is one of the larger rodents found in the rainforest. Agoutis are quite common and widespread. They are good swimmers and fast runners. Agoutis eat by sitting up on their back legs and holding their food (usually seeds, nuts or fruits) with their front paws like squirrels. Like all rodents, their incisors grow continuously throughout their life. Nuts are buried for times when food is scarce, making them important seed dispersers in the rainforest.

Black olive tree
The Black olive tree (Bucida spp.) is a favorite of both mammals and birds in Howler Junction. It is an evergreen or partly deciduous tree. Leaves are crowded on swollen ends of the branches and become red in cooler weather.

Red-breasted toucan
The Red-breasted toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus) is one of the smaller black toucans, weighing 12-13 ounces (.34-.37 kg). The 4 inch (10 cm) long beak is the shortest of the large toucans. Their common name stems from the large area of red feathers that are actually on the abdomen, with the breast being more orange in color. This species is often called the Green-billed toucan because of the green bill.

Toco toucan
Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco) are the largest (1½ pounds or .7 kg) and most widespread of the Ramphastids. The 10 inch (25 cm) long bill makes the Toco toucan easily distinguishable. A large black “apostrophe-shaped” spot is at the tip of the upper mandible. The bare skin around the eyes is orange and the eyes are blue. The bib is white. The Toco toucan is frequently seen in advertisements and cartoons.