Critically endangered monkey born in London Zoo in boost for breeding scheme
A CRITICALLY endangered monkey has been born at London Zoo.
A critically endangered Sulawesi crested macaque has been born at London Zoo
The arrival of the baby Sulawesi crested macaque boosts a breeding scheme for the critically endangered species.
The three-week-old infant, whose gender keepers have not yet been able to determine and which has not yet been named, stands 8in (20cm) tall and weighs in at 1lb 12oz (800g), but is expected to triple its weight before the autumn.
The baby was born to 17-year-old Winoo and dominant male Gaston
The baby was born to 17-year-old mother Winoo and dominant male Gaston of the zoo's eight-strong troop of Sulawesi crested macaques.
Winoo is nursing the youngster and will continue to do so for at least six months before it is weaned on to a diet of fruit, leaves and insects.
Its currently blue eyes will darken with age and the crest of hair which gives the species its name will soon appear.
The arrival of the baby boosts a breeding scheme for the critically endangered species
In the wild, Sulawesi crested macaques, which are found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, have seen populations plummet in the face of habitat loss and hunting.
The team at ZSL London Zoo are delighted by the arrival of a new Sulawesi crested macaque
The new arrival is an important addition to the European captive breeding scheme for endangered species.
Zookeeper Paul Kybett said: “The team at ZSL London Zoo are delighted by the arrival of a new Sulawesi crested macaque, and pleased to confirm that mum and baby are both doing well.
The popular London Zoo are thrilled to welcome the new arrival
“These are sociable monkeys that form close bonds with each other and the group are all showing a keen interest in the new arrival.
“The other youngsters in the group will be delighted to have a new playmate, but for now experienced mum Winoo will be keeping a close eye on her baby.“