A rare baby spider monkey has been wowing visitors at Chester Zoo. These pictures show the Colombian black-headed spider monkey, named Olive, being cradled by her mum Kiara.
Visitors to the popular zoo have been able to view the pair since Olive was born on December 1. The highly threatened primate is vulnerable to extinction in the wild. More than 80 per cent of its population has been been lost in the last 50 years.
The ambition is that the new arrival will bring fresh hope to the species, which is listed as vulnerable. Mark Brayshaw, head of mammals at the conservation zoo, said: “Life as a baby spider monkey is very bumpy as these fascinating primates are incredibly agile, spending the majority of their time leaping between the treetops and using their tails to hang upside down while foraging for food.
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"It’s fantastic to see Kiara cradling baby Olive closely and being so attentive. Olive will cling to mum’s belly for a few months, before gaining enough confidence to start branching off on her own and start exploring independently – which will be great to see.
“Spider monkeys face huge survival challenges in the wild. In welcoming new life into the conservation breeding programme, we’re contributing to global efforts to secure a future for these highly endangered primates.
"In tandem with offering education, carrying out scientific research and improving public awareness, we hope to play our part in reversing their decline and ensuring the species thrives long into the future." The species of spider monkey is usually found in Colombia and Panama in South America. But it faces threats from hunting and the illegal wildlife trade.
The destruction of their rainforest home, driven by agriculture, has caused severe habitat fragmentation. Chester Zoo says spider monkeys require 'urgent attention to help safeguard their future', and staff are working with European zoos to boost their numbers.
