Fota Wildlife Park announce birth of ‘incredibly rare' drill monkey baby with cute photos in major conservation boost
The young drill is the offspring of nine-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona.
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An adorable baby drill has been born to Fota Wildlife Park
Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
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The drill species is a rare and endangered animal
Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills.
This baby is the first of its species to be born at the Co Cork conservation facility as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme.
Lead Ranger Teresa Power said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of this baby drill, it's a first not only for
"The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it's a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species.
READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS
"Lewa, the new mother, is doing an excellent job. She's very protective, and the young male is nursing well, this is her first baby.
"For now, Lewa and the baby are being kept separate from the rest of the group, along with Banni, our younger female, who is both curious and attentive toward the new arrival.
"We're hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year, and she's already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa.
"Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park may see the young monkey with his mother, at the purpose-built drill habitat and island.
MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN
"Drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age.
"They're quite precocious too — we often see them trying to wander off as early as two weeks old!
Everyone saying the same thing as 'precious' baby rhinoceros is born in Cork's Fota Wildlife Park
"Lewa, however, is quick to pull him back and keep him close. We plan to reunite the group once the baby is a little bigger and more independent.
"Drills are large animals, with the males weighing around 33 kgs, they are powerfully built with large canine teeth and feature a range of colours such as lilac, blue, pink and purple on their rumps".
Over the past 30 years, drill populations have declined by at least 50 per cent.
In the wild, they are found only in a limited range: Cross River State in Nigeria, southwestern
Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Ireland.
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There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 drills left in the wild which is decreasing due to habitat loss to give way for development and plantations.
Fota Wildlife Park is asking the public to help name the young male monkey, and to enter their suggestion via the website at
Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100
The park actively participates in EEPs for species such as the
The Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30 am, tickets are available to book on-line at
3
The new baby comes as part of a major conservation effort
Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
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