We’re celebrating the birth of one of the world’s most endangered primates, a Sulawesi crested macaque.
The new arrival was born on 16 May to proud new mum, Rumple, and dad, Mamassa.
In the wild, the charismatic primates face numerous threats including habitat loss as a result of deforestation, illegal logging and the expansion of farming land, as well as hunting and the illegal pet trade. The species is currently listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
With fewer than 5,000 individuals estimated to remain in their natural habitat on the island of Sulawesi, and with numbers having plummeted by around 80% in the last 30 years, primate experts say that every birth in conservation zoos helps to safeguard the species.
Watch the newborn take its first steps under the watchful eye of mum:
Sulawesi crested macaques are highly sociable animals that live in large groups, and so the new baby is currently being passed around by mum Rumple to several other females, who are all sharing parenting duties, which is great to see!
Mark Brayshaw, Head of Mammals
Mark continues to say:
“As well as safeguarding the future of this critically endangered species, every birth provides an opportunity to learn more about their behaviour, biology and social structures, which all helps to inform the efforts to protect the species globally.
“These charismatic monkeys face a plethora of threats in wild. While illegal logging has seen their forest home disappear around them, they’re also targets for poachers. In their homeland, macaques are considered a local delicacy and are often the food choice for special occasions such as weddings. That’s why our conservationists have provided support to the local communities, while also investigating the main causes of deforestation, which all helps to protect the incredible diversity of animals living on the island of Sulawesi.”
Adopting a Sulawesi crested macaque at Chester Zoo will help us to fund our work to prevent extinction here at the zoo, across the zoo and in 19 countries across the world!
PLUS you’ll receive an exclusive adoption pack and your name will be displayed on a plaque by their habitat!