Monkey born at Jungle Island

Jungle Island is about to get a little wilder. The Miami animal attraction has welcomed the birth of a capuchin monkey.

The tiny male, born Thanksgiving Day weighing 0.2 pounds, is the offspring of Mowgli and Fabiana, who have resided at the park since they were born there in 2002 and 2005. The newborn fits inside a small hand towel.

“He likes to copy certain facial gestures and exhibits an adventurous spirit,” said Dr. Jason Chatfield, vice president of zoological operations at Jungle Island which is located on Watson Island just east of downtown Miami.

This species of monkey can live up to 50 years, averages 12 to 22 inches in length and weighs from 3 to 9 pounds, according to the park.

“These creatures are highly social, popular and intelligent,” he added.

The tourist attraction is now seeking to name its newest addition and officials are asking for the public’s help. They want people to visit @jungleisland on Instagram, search for the money’s photo, tag a friend in the comments section and select one of the suggested names, Andrew, Robert or Rocco.

A winner will be picked Friday and receives a free four-family pack to the park’s Goya Foods’ Fun and Fit as a Family cooking demonstrations and fitness events Saturday and Sunday and a chance to meet the baby monkey. Culinary celebrities during the event include Andrew Zimmern, Robert Irvine and Rocco DiSpirito. Their names inspired the choices for the monkey’s naming contest. Three years ago after another baby capuchin monkey was born (also the offspring of Fabian and Mowgli,) the park held a similar naming contest. The chosen name was Caampoochie.