Dublin Zoo Welcomes White-Faced Saki
Dublin Zoo is delighted to welcome a newborn white-faced saki to the South American House proudly sponsored by Kellogg’s Coco Pops. The young male, yet to be named, was born to mum and first-time dad on 30th April and weighs approximately 150 grams only.
While not endangered in the wild, white-faced sakis are a rare primate found in the tropical forests of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. Sakis are normally shy but put on a real show of aggression to protect their territory. They arch their backs, growl loudly and shake their hair and the tree branches.
These unique monkeys have long furry coats with thick, shaggy hair. The male of the species is characterised by a white face while females can be identified by a bright stripe of golden hair from beneath each eye to the corner of her mouth or chin. Over time the new addition at Dublin Zoo will develop a distinctive face of white hair.
Commenting on the new arrival, team Leader Eddie O’Brien said, “We’re delighted with the new arrival. Having given birth to a number of newborns, his mother is very experienced and taking excellent care of the youngster. At the moment he is feeding from his mother and in about four weeks he will start to eat solids of mainly fruit and vegetables.”
Eddie continued, “For the next four months, his mother will carry the little guy close to her chest. In time, he will become stronger, gain more independence and start exploring the habitat on his own.”
The young white-faced saki is out and about with his mum and dad in the South American House, proudly sponsored by Kellogg’s Coco Pops today.
Dublin Zoo, a not for profit organisation, is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 6pm.
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