All Things Cute and Small…

There’s no better way to celebrate 2022 than by enjoying some adorable baby photos!

Throughout the year we have welcomed a number of exciting new arrivals including the first Barbary Macaque to be born in 30 years, quadru-piglets, adorable Dik-dik calves and of course, little Louis, our young Alpaca.

Let the 2022 round-up begin…

Blue Duiker

In 2022 we welcomed two Blue Duiker babies: Akari and Quinn. On 13th February female Duiker, Penelope, gave birth to a little calf named Akari. Only a couple of months later we had another arrival from mum, Jasmine. Both offspring were sired by experienced dad, Jafar.

The two calves are continuing to grow healthy and strong, developing new skills from their parents. Although the Blue Duiker is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, they are sadly often hunted for the bush meat trade.


Mandrill Monkey

On 23rd February, Mandrill monkey, Mindy, welcomed her third offspring, Minkebe, after a gestation period of around 180 days. Having already given birth to two other male Mandrills within the troop, the team had no doubts that Mindy would be a great mum alongside dad, Gismo.

Minkebe is a very inquisitive youngster and spends the majority of his time exploring the environment all while under the watchful eye of mum! Sadly, Mandrill monkeys are currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species so this arrival has been great news for the conservation of this species.


Warthogs

On 5th April, our Animal Care Team awoke to the joyful news that our female Warthog, Hermione, had given birth to four healthy piglets. The team named the siblings, Mbili, Tatu, Nne and Maimoona.

This is Hermione and Moja’s second litter after successfully rearing two piglets in March 2021. Both Hermione and Moja have proved once again that they are excellent parents and the four piglets are very confident and can often be found playing with their older siblings, Zuma and Zuri.


Philippine Spotted Deer

On 15th April, our female Philippine Spotted Deer, Autumn, gave birth to a healthy calf, Eugene. This is Autumn’s third calf with male, Bongat, after welcoming previous arrivals in March 2020 and March 2021.

The young calf has been a great addition to the family at Island Dwellers. This species of deer is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species so this birth is incredibly important for the conservation of this species.


Kirk’s Dik-dik

Throughout 2022 we welcomed three adorable Dik-dik calves: Patch, Gregg and Spice. Female Dik-dik, Pumpkin, became a first-time mum on 20th April after giving birth to a young male, cleverly named Patch. She later welcomed her second calf on 15th October, aptly named Spice, making mother and daughter the perfect Autumnal duo!

On 19th August, our female Dik-dik, Daenerys, continued to live up to her name of ‘mother of Dik-diks’ as she gave birth to another single calf, Gregg. Daenerys is an experienced mother with this new-born being her sixth offspring to date! The Animal Care Team have been delighted with all of their progress throughout 2022.


L’Hoest’s Monkey

This year we have also welcomed two L’Hoest’s monkeys: Echo and Charlie. On 24th April, Esme gave birth to a healthy baby named Echo after a gestation period of just 5 months. Echo has been doing really well with mum being very attentive and dad, Kane, sometimes getting involved with the parental duties.

On 17th June, our Animal Care Team noticed that Casey was carrying around a small orange bundle in her arms. After closer inspection, the team were delighted to find that she had given birth to a single offspring now named Charlie. Casey is a very experienced mum, with this arrival being her 7th offspring! Casey was born at Colchester Zoo in 2008 and as well as being an experienced mother, she is also a grandmother to two.


Barbary Macaque

In 2019, we were delighted to once again be the home of Barbary Macaques after not housing this species here at Colchester Zoo in over 30 years. This endangered species was brought in to help educate the public and to provide vital conservation for the species.

On 25th April the group welcomed the first baby into the family, with M’Punky giving birth to a single offspring, Safi. This is both M’Punky and dad, Saghro’s, first offspring together and they have proved to be great parents. One month and one day later, we welcomed yet another Barbary Macaque baby, named Pippin. The newborn was also sired by male, Saghro along with first-time mum, Ouria.


Gelada Baboon

On 8th June, female Gelada, Kiki, gave birth to her first offspring. Sired by our breeding male, Akobo, this was his 6th offspring. Whilst this was Kiki’s first, she proved to be a great mum along with grandmother, Keecha!

The new arrival has settled in well within the troop and is constantly developing and learning from both mum and grandmother. Although Gelada Baboons are listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, their population is decreasing so it is great news that our group continue to successfully breed.


Alpaca

On 22nd June, our Farm Team Leader, Lisa, was thrilled to find that Louise had successfully given birth to a healthy cria (calf). A favourite amongst many, this little one was named Louis.

Louis suckled from his mum until he was weaned, which is typically around five to six months old. Did you know that Alpaca milk is lower in fat and salt than cows’ milk, as well as being higher in calcium and phosphorus.


Bush Dogs

On 17th July, our Bush Dog family grew once more with the arrival of not one but four tiny pups! Our Animal Care Team were paws-itively thrilled to find that our breeding female, Nina, had given birth after a gestation period of around 67 days, sired by our alpha male, Nico.

During the first few weeks the pups were housed in their indoor den where they stayed close to mum for protection. However, as they have grown in confidence, they now venture into their outdoor area along with their older siblings.


Guianan Bearded Saki Monkey

On 9th September, Kachiri, our Saki Monkey, gave birth to a healthy baby. Kachiri arrived at Colchester Zoo in June 2017 and is an experienced mother with three previous offspring with dad, Karlos who arrived in August 2010.

Although the Guianan Bearded Saki Monkey is classed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is always great news that our group continue to successfully breed and supports the conservation of this incredible species.


Coppery Titi Monkey

On 6th November, our Coppery Titi Monkey family welcomed an adorable new arrival. This is mum, Whiskey’s 5th baby born with dad, Colby, since they arrived at Colchester Zoo in August 2018.

This species can be quite shy, but the Animal Care Team have been monitoring the family closely and the new arrival has been doing well. Coppery Titi monkeys are native to Brazil and Peru and live in tropical forests where they spend all of their time in the trees.


Squirrel Monkey

On 23rd November, female Squirrel Monkey, Milu, gave birth to a single offspring sired by our male, Malcolm. Milu is an experience mum, having previously welcomed three offspring. Milu will carry the new arrival around on her back until it is strong enough to explore and climb on its own.

Although they are registered as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Squirrel Monkeys are affected every year by the exotic pet trade and the deforestation and destruction of their home. Therefore, it is great news to have a successful birth here at Colchester Zoo to support the vital conservation if this species.


At the beginning of 2023 we are expecting a White Rhino calf with Astrid coming to the end of her pregnancy after a gestation period of a whopping 16/18 months – we’re ready and sure that Astrid is too!

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