Endangered monkey born in Paignton

Pitter patter of tiny paws

A new born monkey has surprised keepers at Paignton Zoo.

A baby Diana Monkey, the first of the endangered species to be born there in more than 10 years arrived unexpectedly on Tuesday, to first-time mother Akea, who is 14 and was also born in Paignton.

Keepers knew she was pregnant, but the team were unsure of when she would give birth. They arrived at the enclosure to find mother cradling infant.

Curator of mammals at the zoo Lisa Britton said: "Our Dianas are an important part of the breeding programme, so being greeted by Akea and her baby this morning was exciting for the whole team. This was a really special opportunity to see the hours-old baby with its mother.”
 
Diana monkeys are found in forests in West Africa and get their name from the shape of their brow, which is said to resemble the crescent on the bow of the Roman goddess Diana.
 
They are threatened by deforestation for logging and charcoal production, as well as by poaching for their meat and skin. Paignton Zoo’s Diana monkeys are part of a European breeding programme.