Pictured are new mother, Georgia, and her new born.

The Erie Zoo has announced the birth of a lesser spot nosed guenon monkey on Wednesday to first time mother, Georgia. Both mother and baby are healthy and bonding well under the attentive care of the zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams.

The baby’s gender is not yet known, and it has not been named at this time.

Zookeepers report that mom is showing excellent maternal instincts and keeping her little one close. The pair may be visible periodically in their dayroom of the Hilbert Family Primate Habitat, depending on the mother’s comfort level and the baby’s needs during this early bonding period.

“This birth is a wonderful milestone for our zoo family,” said Jenn Salandra, Animal Curator of the Erie Zoo. “Each new arrival is a testament to the dedication of our animal care and veterinary staff and the success of our ongoing conservation and breeding efforts.”

Spot nosed guenons are native to the forests of West Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabo. In the wild, spot nosed guenons face numerous challenges, including habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting pressures, and human encroachment, which have contributed to declining populations.

Births like this one at the Erie Zoo are an important part of global conservation efforts, helping to ensure the survival of this near threatened species and educating the public about the need to protect their natural habitats.

The Erie Zoo invites the community to stop by in the coming days for a chance to welcome the newest (and tiniest) member of the zoo family. Visitors are encouraged to be patient and quiet near the exhibit dayroom to help mom and baby adjust during these first few weeks.

The mission of the Erie Zoo is to foster the appreciation of nature through memorable moments and meaningful experiences.