Weighing less than a banana, the tiny new arrival was born 2 weeks ago to mum, Vivo and Dad, Tikan.

Mum and bub are doing well as they settle into life together, with the little one snuggling tightly to Vivo’s back as she climbs through the habitat.

Zoo animal care team have already noticed signs of strength and curiosity with the infant lifting its head to take in what’s going on around them.   

Vivo is an experienced mum, having welcomed her son Inti almost two years ago. 

As a social primate, having babies adds a special dynamic to the group.

Other females in the troop will step into their natural ‘aunty’ roles to share the care of the infant. 

To show their aunty role to the group, Miski and Estrella both began their specialised vocalisation known as the “aunty croak”. 
 
And the excitement doesn’t stop there as troop females Sue and Estrella are both expecting little ones soon!
 
If visitors look closely, they can spot the mums-to-be and their growing bellies amongst the group. 

The birth of a baby is always an exciting time for us and iour role in the regionally coordinated Bolivian squirrel monkey breeding program.
 
But breeding these monkeys in a zoo setting isn’t always simple.
 
In the wild males live on the periphery, letting them approach a female group and move on quickly if there is no interest. 
 
But here the males and females live separately, as per their biology, and males are given access to the female habitat during breeding season. 

The animal care team need to be in tune with their behaviours and watch them closely when it’s time to breed.
 
If the match doesn’t work the males are removed and reintroduced when the time is right.    

As one of only a few zoos that breed the species in Australasia breeding success is important. 

Especially because only females stay in a squirrel monkey group, making every baby, especially girls, key to the troop’s future. 

As for the new arrival, the animal care team won’t know the gender for a while.
 
While the baby clings to mum’s back it’s impossible to get a glimpse of the gender. Only when the little one starts exploring more will they be able to know.

With 13 Bolivian squirrel monkeys now calling Perth Zoo home, there is plenty of help for the newest arrival and plenty of reasons to visit.  

Visitors can spot the little one in Amazonia, with the best chance during the FREE squirrel monkey keeper talk which runs at 10:15AM on Mondays and Fridays.