You little monkey! Joy at Belfast zoo as Roxy gives birth
Saturday, 11 August 2007
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Rare baby monkey Ripple is set to cause a stir with visitors as the latest attraction at Belfast Zoo.
The lion-tailed macaque was born on July 16, weighing only 450g.
Mother macaque Roxy will nurse her new baby for one year.
The lion-tailed macaque ranks among the rarest and most threatened primates.
There are currently only 2,500 left in the wild.
The species is classified as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), due to destruction of their natural habitat.
Zoo manager, Mark Challis, was ecstatic with the new addition. "We are all really excited by our latest birth, it is great news that we are once again playing an active role in the conservation of this critically endangered species.
"The baby lion-tailed macaque will not only add to visitor's enjoyment but will also add to the conservation of this rare primate."
The lion-tailed macaque is characterised by a large grey mane and get their name from their tufted droopy tail which is similar to a lion's.
During the summer months the population in the zoo will expand even further with three pregnant giraffes, a pregnant Barbary lion and a Malayan tapir.
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