Birth of Critically Endangered Primate

The critically endangered Sulawesi-crested macaque was born on Monday 8 February to first time mum, Satana and dad, Douglas.

Sulawesi-crested macaques (Macaca nigra) are the most endangered of the seven macaque species found on the island of Sulawesi. In the wild they live in tropical rainforests and mangrove swamp areas on the Northern Peninsula of the Indonesian island. These animals face many threats in the wild; one of them is over hunting for food, as they are considered a delicacy in areas of Sulawesi.

Claire Mound, Team Leader for Primates and Small Mammals said: “As a first time mother Satana has been exemplary so far. She is very sweet natured and having the infant has only made this more noticeable. For now, we expect the baby will spend the first four months close to Satana whilst it gains strength, develops and finds its feet. The new arrival is fantastic news not only for Marwell but for the species.”

The newborn is half siblings with Indah, who was born in July to Drusilla and Douglas. The latest addition will be a valuable asset to the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) which conserves the species and avoid extinction.