Great Plains Zoo welcomes baby monkey
Cuteness alert: There’s a new baby at the Great Plains Zoo.
A new Colobus monkey was born May 30 to proud parents MaHale and Gonzo.
That brings the zoo to four Colobos monkeys. They’re part of a species survival plan, which is a breeding program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, with the goal of maintaining genetic diversity in animals whose numbers are declining in the wild. Colobus male monkeys are declining in the wild because of agriculture and energy production.
“Conserving species in need is one of our primary focuses here at your zoo, and we are thrilled to have this new addition to our Colobus family. Events like this are exciting for all involved, and we are proud to share this news with the community,” said Matt Eschenbrenner, director of animal care and conservation.
“I would like to thank the team here at the zoo for their tireless hard work and dedication to animals along with our zoo members and guests for their much-needed support.”
While both mom and baby are residing in a viewable habitat space within the primate building, they have access to space for when they need a break from the public.
If you visit, the zoo asks that you be respectfully quiet so mom and baby have a calm environment for bonding.
Also, the new addition needs a name.
Guests who attend this year’s Expedition ZooFalls fundraiser and those who sign up to participate online can bid to name the baby in a silent auction.
Tickets for the Aug. 5 event or to register online to participate in the silent auction are available by clicking here.
“The birth of this Colobus monkey is exciting! We want the community to be part of this opportunity to name this baby male Colobus as our way of thanking the Sioux Falls community for their support of their local zoo,” CEO Becky Dewitz said.
“Expedition ZooFalls is our premier fundraiser that helps support zoo development, such as our upcoming black bear exhibit renovation. It is with the support of our community that we can make Great Plains Zoo even greater.”
Want to stay connected to where you live with more stories like this?
Adopt a free virtual “pigeon” to deliver news that will matter to you.