COLCHESTER Zoo has announced it has added yet another new baby animal to its ever-growing family.
On May 12, the zoo’s animal care team welcomed a baby gelada baboon, born to first-time mum, Kamena.
Father Akobo arrived in 2020 and has since sired seven offspring, including Kamena’s first offspring.
Gelada baboons are listed as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, yet with their decrease in population in the wild, the news of the newborn has zookeepers happy that their group continues to breed successfully.
The new arrival is the first addition to the gelada troop since 2022, raising the number to 15 of the species at the zoo.
A spokesman said: “Female gelada baboons usually only give birth to a single infant at a time.
"This is Kamena’s first offspring and so far, is proving to be a great mum.
"Kamena has settled into her role well and is very attentive to her new arrival.
"Kamena’s offspring will remain close until they are strong enough to start exploring their new home."
“The baby is yet to be sexed by the animal care team and is currently unnamed but the team is excited to watch as their little personality begins to show.”
It is the latest in a number of new infants born at the zoo this year so far.
In January, female Philippine Spotted Deer Autumn gave birth to a single healthy calf, which was later named Flynn.
In March, the zoo's family grew again after warthog Hermione gave birth to four adorable hoglets, Badger, Ditch, Poppy and Willow.
It was one of two exciting new births in March, with female Kirk’s dik-dik, Daenerys, giving birth to a single calf.
Daenerys was already an experienced mum after having previously given birth to eight calves.
This new arrival was sired by male Kirk’s dik-dik calf, Demetri, who is father to all of Daenerys children.
In April, a critically endangered vulture chick was hatched from Ruppell’s griffon vultures Morticia and Jekyll.
Lastly, later on in April, female Colombian black spider monkey, experience mum Cheekaboo welcomed her seventh offspring.
The zoo was delighted with the news, with Colombian black spider monkeys currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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