Bolivian gray titi monkey born at New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo

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The Buttonwood Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of a Bolivian gray titi monkey (Callicebus donacophilus). This is the first species born to primates in the new Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs exhibit. The baby was born on September 7 to first time parents, Madeira and Crumpet. Baby’s gender is unknown at this time. Crumpet, 3 years-old, and Madeira, 9 years-old, arrived from the Minnesota Zoo this spring, joining five other species of small South American primates in Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs sponsored by Stoico/FIRSTFED.

There are less than 60 Bolivian gray titi monkeys at 17 Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) institutions in North America. Bolivian gray titi monkeys weigh around two to three pounds as adults and have a lifespan of 20-25 years. They are diurnal, meaning active during the day, and are an arboreal species. Members of the group exhibit social bonding by sitting side by side and twining their tails. There is a strong bond between adult mating pairs; they stay close and carry out activities together, including infant care. The baby will remain on the back of one parent for several months, about 80% of that time will be with dad, Crumpet.

Buttonwood Park Zoo is now home to six species of South American primates. According to Zoo Director, Keith Lovett, “The Zoo participates in a managed breeding program, in partnership with AZA, focused on the long-term sustainability of this South American primate species; this birth assists in improving genetic diversity of this population.”

In the wild, this species is found in the tropical forests throughout central Bolivia and into Rondônia in eastern Brazil. Although their population in the wild is decreasing and agricultural activities have resulted in considerable habitat loss, Bolivian gray titi monkeys are reasonably tolerant of habitat disturbance and are adaptable to a variety of environments throughout its relatively wide range. Bolivian gray titi monkeys are listed as a species of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

Lovett says “The opening of Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs marked the first time primates have resided at the Zoo in decades; having a birth so soon after its opening is exciting for both Zoo guests and staff alike.”

Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs sponsored by Stoico/FIRSTFED opened on July 28, 2017. Focused on the conservation of endangered and threatened species from South America and the health of the world’s oceans, Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs connects guests with small, endangered primates from regions of South America and ocean dwelling species from around the world. Interpretive signage and on-site education inspires visitors to take small, tangible actions to reduce their impact on habitats and oceans, furthering the Zoo’s conservation mission to protect wildlife from extinction.

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