Belfast Zoo has announced the latest addition to their troop of monkeys after the birth of a new baby primate.
A black-and-white colobus monkey called Akinya is the newest member of the Belfast’s wildlife family.
Akinya, meaning born in the morning, was born to Zola and Zulu on October 17.
Belfast Zoo has had 53 Colobus monkeys born over the years and will be the fourth from dad Zulu and fifth from mum Zola.
Colobus typically cling to their mothers for the first couple of months before they begin to explore their surroundings independently.
As a result, zookeepers haven’t been able to identify the gender of baby Akinya.
They are birthed completely white and gradually pick up their cloak-like coat as they mature into adults.
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Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns said he was “delighted to welcome another baby to the group” after the birth of three babies in September of last year.
“Parents and baby are doing extremely well,” he explained. “The baby has learned to hold onto mums’ fur as the explore the habitat together.
“Our adults have been working together to raise the babies. This style of parenting is called ‘alloparenting’.
“This allows mum to pass on her experience to younger female members of the group. You will often see younger sisters carrying the baby which gives them experience to be successful mothers as they get older.”
Originating from Africa, Colobus monkeys were subject to extensive hunting due to their sought-after coats.
The biggest issue facing the species is loss of habitat as human populations expand into their territory.
However, zoos and wildlife refuges provide the opportunity to conserve and protect the species.
Visitors of the zoo can catch a glimpse of the new baby in the monkey house.