Newborn monkey Mandible joins furry family in London Zoo
Baby Mandible with mum Sophie Picture: ZSL - Credit: Archant
London Zoo has welcomed a tiny newborn monkey to its collection of primates.
Baby Mandible with mum Sophie Picture: ZSL - Credit: Archant
Mandible, a colobus monkey, was born on February 2 after mum Sophia’s six-month pregnancy.
Currently all-white, the wide-eyed youngster – whose species is native to Africa – is now part of a 17-strong family. In around five months, she will grow the black fur of adults.
Zookeeper Bernie Corbett said: “The new-born colobus monkey will cling onto her mum as she swings from tree to tree, leaping metres into the air.
“Mandible is starting to test out her jumping skills and mimicking mum as she learns new actions and movements.”
He added: “Contrary to what many people believe, not all monkeys eat bananas.
“This species are leaf eaters; they enjoy a range of leaves, flowers and twigs. A particular favourite of the ZSL London Zoo family are the twigs from an apple tree.”
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The clan is the largest of its kind in Europe and the second largest in the world, according to the zoo.
In the summer of next year, they will move to their newly renovated enclosure – the Snowdon Aviary – which is being transformed into a walk-through exhibit.
