Milwaukee County Zoo Welcome First De Brazza’s Monkey Infant

The Milwaukee County Zoo have announced the birth of a De Brazza’s monkey in a first for the zoo. Excitingly for visitors the infant was born on display in front of them on June 10 2023.

This marks the first time that a primate was born in view of guests at the zoo since spring 2022. At that time three Japanese macaques were born.

Animal care staff report that mom Holly had a smooth birth and that her and baby are doing well. The father of the new arrival is known as Hugo. This if the first infant for Holly. So far she is attentive and protective meaning keepers have avoided getting close to the infant so far, monitoring the new family from afar. As a result they are yet to determine the gender of the infant. Once they can confirm this they will determine a name.

Holly and Hugo were brought to Milwaukee from other facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. From the start it was hoped they would become the first ever breeding pair of De Brazza’s monkey at the zoo. At her previous home Holly had seen other monkeys giving birth giving her an opportunity to observe the maternal skills she required.

This infant forms part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The SSP helps ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.

Guests visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo can meet the new arrival on exhibit. Mother Holly is on exhibit alongside father Hugo with animal care staff reporting that he is proving highly accommodating and is giving mom plenty of space.

For now you will find the infant clinging close to the chest of Holly as she moves through the habitat. It will be dependent on Holly for milk for the next year. At around 8 weeks old it will begin to try solid food.

De Brazza’s monkey is native to Central Africa. This species is listed as least concern and is considered one of the most common monkey species in Africa. They are still the victim of hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss primarily from the expansion of agriculture.