This weekend, Rotterdam Zoo, welcomed a new Diana monkey. For the first time, a youngster of this species was born in the Rotterdam Zoo. As a result, the group has now grown to six animals. Diana monkeys are among the loudest residents of Africa, but due to hunting and the loss of habitat, the rainforest is at risk of falling silent. This is why Rotterdam Zoo is committed to conserving this endangered species. The birth of the youngster is therefore of great importance.
The Diana monkeys moved from ARTIS to Rotterdam Zoo last year. To build a larger group and contribute to a more robust reserve population, it was decided to transfer the animals from the capital to the larger enclosure in the Maasstad. The birth of the youngster is the first since the relocation. The young Diana monkey is immediately visible to visitors, although they will need to look closely, the little one is still clinging tightly to its mother, Imara. The father is Khari.
Diana monkeys are naturally found in the far west of Africa. In Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. They live high up in the trees of the humid rainforests, often in larger groups centered around a dominant male. This medium‑sized primate species has a colourful coat with a distinctive white “band” on its forehead. They owe their name to this marking, as it resembles the headband worn by the Roman goddess Diana.