Auckland Zoo monkey in plaster (+photo)

Bigote's movement has been restricted, but the plaster will be coming off next week. Photo / Paul Estcourt

One minute it's a game, the next minute it's all gone wrong.

Bigote, a black-handed spider monkey at Auckland Zoo, was playing with her sisters when things got a little out of hand, and a bone in Bigote's foot was dislocated.

The 2-year-old from South America, whose name means "moustache" because of her facial markings, has been in plaster for 3 weeks. Her ordeal is nearly over, however, as the plaster is scheduled to come off on Wednesday.

Zoo spokeswoman Jane Healy said Bigote has been really good during her time on restricted activities. There was not expected to be any residual damage.

Auckland Zoo has 15 black-handed spider monkeys. They eat mainly fruit, and can live for more than 30 years in captivity.