AFTER being rejected by her mum and overcoming a series of infections which threatened her life, adorable baby spider monkey Estela is winning the hearts of Melbourne Zoo patrons.

Estela was abandoned less than 48 hours after birth, leaving zookeepers to step in and hand-raise the primate.

Senior primate keeper Jess McKelson and her zoo staff worked around the clock to ensure the spider monkey was receiving the food and care she required.

"I have a great, supportive team behind me," Ms McKelson said.



"We were working around the clock, and I remember one day when we did 36 hours straight."

The six-month-old primate is now growing stronger by the day, and spends her time playing with 39-year-old grandmother Sonja, who is teaching her how to climb.

"Sonja is teaching Estela the behaviours that are natural to her species, so as an adult she will be comfortable mixing with other spider monkeys," Ms McKelson said.

"It has been great for Sonja, Estela has given her a new lease of life."