Chester Zoo has succesfully provided a boost to the population of rare buffy-headed capuchins.
Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature this species is incredibly rare in the wild. Assistant curator of mammals, Dr Nick Davis said, “The buffy-headed capuchin is one of the world’s rarest species of primates. In the past they were abundant in the Atlantic rainforests of eastern Brazil but sadly they’re now on the verge of disappearing from the wild because of severe destruction to their habitat and intense hunting.”
The zoo’s troop of capuchin monkeys now numbers eight. The group came from the Rio Primate Centre in 1996 so that a European population of this species could be created.
Chester Zoo’s new capuchin was born on the 13/8/2014 and is now three months old. He was born after 180 days in his mummy’s belly.
Davis added that, “We’re pleased to say though that our new youngster is doing extremely well and is now confidently out and about, being carried by mum.”
Keepers are not going to know if the infant is a male or female for several weeks.
Photo Credits: Chester Zoo
