COLORADO SPRINGS – Three-year-old howler monkey Charlie welcomed a new baby Tuesday, March 19 at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The baby was born right in the middle of the afternoon which is unusual for howler monkeys. All three of her primary keepers were able to witness the special moment.
Her keepers say mom and baby are bonding quickly and appear to be in good health.
“We watch for certain indicators that the baby is strong,” said senior lead keeper Michelle Salido, “We like to see them grasp on to their mother’s fur and for their tails to wrap around their mother’s arms or nearby branches. Nursing is the ultimate sign that the mother and baby are doing well. We’re seeing all of those things, so we’re excited it’s going so well.”
The baby’s gender likely won’t be confirmed for months.
Charlie and her baby will be in their exhibit in the Monkey Pavilion where guests can check them out.
Three-year-old black howler monkey Howie is Charlie’s mate. He was there during the birth and is in the same space, but keeping his distance for now.
Charlie and Howie were recommended to breed based on their genetics. It’s part of the Black Howler Monkey Species Survival Plan which is working to help guarantee 100 years of genetic diversity for the species.
