RARE MONKEY GIVES BIRTH DESPITE MEDICAL CHALLENGES AT PAIGNTON ZOO

A Diana monkey at Paignton Zoo has defied medical odds to give birth to a healthy infant, offering a rare moment of hope for one of the world’s most endangered primates.  

Akea, an 18-year-old female who was previously diagnosed with an ovarian tumour during her pregnancy, delivered her baby in the early hours of Thursday 24 April. This extraordinary birth offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most endangered primates with its newborn, whilst supporting the crucial conservation work supported by every zoo visit. 

Nadia Gould, Team Leader of Mammals for Paignton Zoo, commented: 

“What makes this birth particularly remarkable is the complex medical situation Akea has navigated. Throughout her pregnancy, we’ve been monitoring both her health and the development of her baby while managing the presence of an ovarian tumour – a delicate balancing act of nature and medical intervention. We are overjoyed that she’s been able to give birth successfully, and now visitors have the unique chance to witness these precious early bonding moments between Akea and her infant.” 

The zoo’s veterinary and primate care teams had been closely monitoring Akea throughout her pregnancy after discovering both her pregnancy and an ovarian tumour during a routine health examination. Despite these challenges, both mother and baby are doing well. 

The newborn is Akea’s second offspring, following her daughter Sakari who was born in August 2022. Both births represent critical milestones for the conservation of Diana monkeys, who are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with populations in their native West African forests continuing to decline due to habitat destruction and hunting. 

The successful birth comes amid broader challenges for UK zoos, which have faced significant funding pressures following pandemic closures and rising operational costs. As a registered charity, Paignton Zoo relies heavily on visitor income and Gift Aid contributions to fund its conservation programmes. 

Ryan Page, Veterinary Services Manager for Paignton Zoo, added: 

“The success we’ve achieved reflects the specialised expertise of our team, including those of veterinary specialists like our veterinary officer, Dawn Sutton, and her extensive knowledge in diagnostic imaging. This skillset was crucial in monitoring both Akea and her baby during this complex pregnancy. This level of exceptional care is directly made possible through visitor contributions and Gift Aid, enabling us to provide the best possible support for endangered species like Diana monkeys when they need it most.” 

The Diana monkey birth highlights the increasingly important role that zoos play in protecting biodiversity. With wild populations of many primate species facing unprecedented threats, managed breeding programmes represent a crucial insurance policy against extinction. 

The new arrival is now visible to visitors throughout the day in their home at Monkey Heights. Visitors can enjoy a particularly good viewing opportunity during the daily public feeding at 2:45pm, when they should be able to get a closer look at the newborn.  

The zoo plans to continue monitoring Akea’s health, with a procedure to address her tumour scheduled in the coming months. 

To plan your visit and learn more about supporting Paignton Zoo’s conservation efforts, visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk.