Big Buzz about this new arrival
LONDON ZOO WELCOMES BABY MONKEY FROM RARE SPECIES
IT’S always exciting when there’s a new baby in town, but it’s even more thrilling when the baby is one of the world’s rarest primates .
This cute London Zoo newborn is a white-naped mangabey – one of the most endangered monkeys on the planet, only found in western Africa.
So what to name the important new arrival?
It’s one small step for the parents, but a giant leap for animalkind, so what better name than Buzz – in celebration of the recent 50th anniversary of the world-famous Moon landing.
Mother Achimoto and father Lucky must be very proud, as Buzz brings the zoo’s troop to a total of eight.
A hugely important addition to the European breeding programme for endangered species (EEP), mangabeys are among some of the rarest and most endangered monkeys – and they are still under threat from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade, including being hunted for their fur and as bushmeat.
Excellent climbers and agile jumpers, with their long tails and slender limbs, mangabeys are very much at home in the trees, but white-naped mangabeys are also comfortable on the ground.
Buzz’s mum can often be seen mastering the art of multi-tasking, nursing her little one while foraging on the floor for leaves, seeds and nuts.
Teamleader Daniel Simmonds said: “Buzz is an important new arrival here at the zoo, and we hope his future is as prosperous as that of his namesake!
“Famous for their vocalisations, mangabeys have a special throat sac which they use to project their voice through the dense forest canopies – from shrieks and whoops to barks and grunts, their vocal repertoire is as varied as it is loud and helps them stay connected with their families while they forage.
He added: “Up until now, Buzz has been tightly snuggled on mum’s chest, but visitors to the zoo are now likely to see Buzz testing out his own voice and foraging skills, as he ventures small distances away from mum’s arms to mimic the rest of the adults and youngsters in the troop.”