Mercury is first newborn at Amazonia for eleven years

Amazonia has welcomed a new arrival in the form of a baby Goeldi’s monkey – the indoor rainforest’s first animal birth since 2009.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Oct 2020, 15:08 BST
Updated 8th Oct 2020, 15:26 BST
Mercury clings on to its mother, it's important staff at Amazonia don’t interfere with the parenting processMercury clings on to its mother, it's important staff at Amazonia don’t interfere with the parenting process
Mercury clings on to its mother, it's important staff at Amazonia don’t interfere with the parenting process

The newborn has been named Mercury in honour of Fredie Mercury, having been born on the late Queen singer’s birthday last month.

Goeldi’s monkeys are native to the upper Amazon rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.

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Its population status in the wild is currently listed as ‘vulnerable’ due to human activities such as logging and clearing forest areas.

Due to the rarity of Goeldi’s monkeys, they’re often sold on the black market and also hunted for food.

Amazonia manager Amanda Gott said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mercury to our Amazonia family. Over the initial few weeks, the parents will look after their infant until it is weaned at 10-12 weeks old.

“It’s hugely important that the team at Amazonia don’t intervene with the parental care that Mercury receives, unless absolutely necessary, so we won’t know if Mercury is a male or female until it is older.

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“Mercury blends in quite well with the adult Goeldi’s monkeys at Amazonia but we look forward to welcoming guests to spot our newest addition on their next visit to Amazonia.”

The Strathclyde Park attraction is home to more than 50 species of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, fruit bats, kinkajous, snakes, frogs, fish and many invertebrates.

For more information visit www.discoveramazonia.co.uk.

Related topics:AmazonQueenColombia

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