Rare Sulawesi Macaque Birth at Drusillas Park

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A new Sulawesi crested macaque baby, born January 11, 2024, at Drusillas Park brings fresh possibilities for these endangered primates whose wild population dropped 80% in four decades.

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The baby girl, confirmed by head keeper Gemma Romanis, came from an unexpected love story between mother Ahsoka from Chester Zoo and father Moteck, despite initial hesitation.

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These Indonesian primates stand apart with their distinctive jet black hair, bright amber eyes, and pink bottoms, yet face serious survival challenges in their native habitat.

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Drusillas Conservation in Action partners with local group Selamatkan Yaki, funding a full-time protection officer who patrols Indonesian forests to safeguard wild macaques.

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Protection officer Ramenpudi Seba (Ara) works to prevent human-monkey conflicts and protect macaques from hunters who target them for celebratory meals.

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The public can choose between four historic names for the baby - Elsie, Gertrude, Muriel, or Ethel - each dating back to the zoo's 1925 opening.

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The infant's father, Moteck, carries rare genes vital for maintaining genetic diversity among European zoo macaques, making this birth particularly valuable for species survival.

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While zoos like Drusillas focus on breeding programs, concurrent efforts by local protectors like Ara ensure wild macaque populations have a fighting chance at survival.

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