COLCHESTER Zoo has revealed the name and sex of its baby baboon that was born earlier this year.

Back in May, the venue welcomed the arrival of an adorable gelada baboon baby.

It was born to first-time mum, Kamena.

Following the birth, the zoo has now revealed its new name and sex.

A spokesman said: "We are now pleased to announce that the baby has since been confirmed as male and named Kairo, meaning ‘The Conqueror’ or ‘Victorious One’ in Arabic which is spoken throughout parts of Ethiopia."

Kairo is Kamena’s first offspring and the animal care team said after the birth she was "proving to be a great mum" and had "settled into her role well".

Sweet - The new baby gelada baboon, Kairo. Sweet - The baby gelada baboon, Kairo (Image: Colchester Zoo)

With the new arrival, the zoo's gelada baboon troop consists of 15 individuals, including our Akobo, our breeding male.

Akobo arrived in 2020 and has since sired seven offspring including Kamena’s new offspring.

Gelada baboons are listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, however, their population is decreasing so it is great news that our group continues to successfully breed.