Media Release
12 July 2012

Monkey Marvels at Wellington Zoo

The monkeys at Wellington Zoo are proving to be prime mates; with not one, not two, not three, but four monkey births this week. The first Bolivian Squirrel Monkey was born at the Zoo on Monday, followed by the first set of Pygmy Marmoset triplets in New Zealand born to Picchu the Pygmy Marmoset on Wednesday night.

"The babies are just booming here at the Zoo," shared Collections Development Manager, Simon Eyre. "We're really proud of the contributions we are making to the regional breeding programme."

The tiny Pygmy Marmoset triplets and beautiful Bolivian Squirrel Monkey baby are being well cared for by their respective parents.

"It is great news for us," shared Primate Keeper, Jacqui Hooper. "As each of these mothers has seen how to raise babies in the past, we know the babies are off to a good start."

"These babies help our visitors to make a very personal connection with nature," Jacqui explained. "Having four newborns to come and see is really exciting!"

The Pygmy Marmoset triplets can be seen in the Mojo Café Pygmy Marmoset exhibit - clinging to their father Machu and older brother Cuzco, who are tasked with the heavy lifting duties, while mother Picchu will be in charge of feeding. Big sister, Gemini, is also very interested getting to know her new siblings.

Visitors who are keen to see the Bolivian Squirrel Monkey baby are already able to see the newborn being carried around by its mother at the River Trail Aviary - and can ask the Keepers all about it at the Squirrel Monkey talk at 3.30pm held every day at the Zoo.

ENDS

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