LINCOLN PARK — It didn't take long for the Lincoln Park Zoo's new snow monkeys to grow their family.
The zoo announced the birth of a baby boy Monday, the first snow monkey born in the zoo's new state-of-the-art habitat.
The infant, who has yet to be given a name, joined the troop of eight snow monkeys when he was born May 2.
“We are absolutely elated to announce the first successful Japanese macaque birth here at Regenstein Macaque Forest,” said Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy. “The baby appears healthy, is regularly nursing and visually exploring the exhibit while clinging tightly on Ono’s torso.”
The monkeys arrived at the zoo in the fall, but the full exhibit wasn't opened to the public until the first week of April.
Ono was recommended to breed as a part of the Japanese Macaque Species Survival Plan, which manages the accredited zoo snow monkey population.
Gestation for Japanese macaques is approximately 5.5 months and she was impregnated at the zoo without any keeper interaction.
Researchers said the baby has been holding on to his 10-year-old mother, Ono, but keepers were able to determine that he is a male.
The new exhibit has a heavy focus on research including a dual-bay touch screen computer station.
The baby monkey will be the first monkey to have access to the computers throughout his life.
“The new baby will be the first in this population to grow up with access to touch screen computers — a tool that the monkey can decide whether or not to use — so that we can study cognitive abilities and gain a better understanding of how they think and feel," said Research Scientist Katie Cronin, PhD.
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