March 8, 2011

NEW STAR AT THE ZOO!

Primate Keepers are working around the clock to care for a tiny baby Spider Monkey.

They needed to step in and take over the mothering role to help the baby survive, because mother Sunshine couldn't care for her newborn after a difficult birth on January 17th.

Spider Monkeys are native to South America, so the Primate Keepers have given the baby a Spanish name: ‘Estela', meaning ‘star'.

Primate Supervisor Jess McKelson explains that these have been very tense weeks for the Primate Department team: ‘We're taking turns to stay overnight with Estela, to monitor her condition and provide the overnight feeds.

‘Keeping Estela alive has been a big challenge, and she has had ups and downs over this time, with several infections that have been a real threat to her survival.

‘Our Veterinary Department has been right there for us, ensuring that Estela has had the best possible chance of surviving.'

Estela is receiving a formula designed for premature human infants. Initially she drank 7ml at each feed, and now each bottle contains 21ml.

From a birthweight of only 417 gr, Estela weighed 616gr this morning.

Jess says ‘We have also been taking Estela for short visits with her grandmother, Sonja, and we hope that as the baby progresses Sonja will be able to fill the mothering role.'