Great Plains Zoo announces new addition

There’s a new tiny bundle of primate joy in the family at the Great Plains Zoo.

The baby squirrel money was born overnight between Jan. 31 and Feb.1  to 17-year-old mom Daphne — now a mother of eight, including six babies with current partner Ned.

The baby’s sex is unknown for now.

“Daphne is a terrific mom and has taken excellent care of her babies. Her older offspring have all moved on to other AZA-accredited facilities. Some have had babies of their own,” the zoo said in a statement.

“Because Daphne is such a great mom, the GPZ veterinary team will wait to do a neonatal exam on the baby until it gets a little older, giving them opportunity to continue to bond without any disturbance.”

Squirrel monkey babies ride on their mother’s back for approximately 10 weeks before slowly beginning to explore on their own. They remain dependent on their mother for 10 to 12 months, the zoo said.

“We invite the public to visit our new addition in the GPZ’s Primate Building. However, we do ask that visitors try to be as quiet and respectful as possible while mom and baby adjust to life together.”