Askham Bryan Wildlife Park celebrates birth of new baby Monkey!

A new arrival at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park caused excitement amongst staff and students, the baby White Lipped Tamarin was born on March 8^th and is a vital addition for conservation.

This Monkey is part of the EAZA EEP programme (EAZA EX-situ Programme) which is a European global population management programme with the aim to maintain healthy populations in captivity.

Askham Bryan Wildlife Park is one of only nine zoos in the UK to house them and it is their first ever birth from the breeding pair.

Deputy Animal Sciences and Conservation Manager Tilly added: “We are thrilled to announce the birth of this baby. White Lipped Tamarin Monkeys are in decline in the wild due to the deforestation of their natural habitat, it is really important that we’re able to assist in the breeding programme of this significant species.”

The new arrival will spend its first couple of weeks clinging to mum “Leonie” and dad “Fella”, before getting adventurous and learning how to climb on the branches in its reserve, Tamarin young are usually fully independent by 12 weeks of age.

Tilly added “It’s too early for us to know what gender the baby is yet, but as the baby grows in confidence and becomes more independent, we will be able to reveal the gender and then choose a name for them, if you have any name suggestions – feel free to get in touch!”

You can be one of the first to catch a glimpse of the new arrival during Easter half term (Saturday 23^rd March – 7^th April) where the baby will be on show for the first time.

To find out more about Askham Bryan Wildlife Park or book tickets, please visit their website www.abcwildlifepark.co.uk or via social media @abcwildlifepark