Baby howler monkey born at Brevard Zoo

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard Zoo’s black howler monkey troop gained a new tiny member last month.

Zoo officials said 14-year-old Baya gave birth overnight on April 30 and the newborn was discovered in the early morning of May 1 by zoo keepers.

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This baby joins a family unit of howler monkeys that includes their mom, Baya; their dad, 18-year-old Stormy; half-siblings Batata, 7, and Beatle, 6; as well as their full sibling, a 9-month-old male born to Baya and Stormy in August 2022.

“We’ve confirmed the baby nursing,” said Rainforest Revealed Area Supervisor Michelle Johnston. “The little one has a strong grip onto mom, which is a good indicator that they are strong and doing well.”

Photos: Baby howler monkey born at Brevard Zoo

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Baby howler monkey Brevard Zoo’s black howler monkey troop welcomed a new baby last month. (Brevard Zoo)

Zoo officials said they don’t yet know this baby’s sex because they prefer to be as hands-off as possible with newborns.

Female howler monkeys care for their young for around 12 months after which zoo officials say the young stay with their natal group and continue to be around mom and other family members.

Although black howler monkeys are not considered endangered, zoo officials said they are threatened in their natural range due to habitat loss, agricultural development and human hunting.

Read: Brevard Zoo to build county’s first manatee rehabilitation center

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