FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: February 6th, 2019

Contact: Jeff Mitchell, General Curator Phone: (217) 585-1821 Ext. 1702

SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT’S HENSON ROBINSON ZOO WELCOMES NEWEST ADDITION TO THE ZOO FAMILY

[Springfield, IL] – The Springfield Park District’s Henson Robinson Zoo is excited to announce the birth of their newest addition, a white-eared titi monkey, on January 19th, 2019, to first-time parents, Wally and Photo courtesy of Karli Dallman

Maniqui.

The birth of the white-eared titi monkey was derived from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) white-eared titi monkey Species Survival Plan. Each Species Survival Plan manages the breeding of each species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

“It’s an exciting time at Henson Robinson Zoo. Although a newborn monkey’s life is full of unexpected twists, we have seen a lot of the critical milestones surpassed in the first few weeks.” General Curator, Jeff Mitchell proclaimed.

Newborn titi monkeys can weigh only ounces and grow to two to three pounds in their adult years. Due to the nature of their care, the gender of the baby won’t be known until it starts to explore the habitat.

Titi monkeys are found in Brazil in the Amazon River basin, in forests and swamps along the river and lakes shores in the lower tree canopy. They are arboreal and seldom come to the forest floor.

Currently the Henson Robinson Zoo is closed until March 16th, 2019. The titi monkeys will make their appearance outside in May and will be on display until September. Updates and pictures will be placed on the Henson Robinson Zoo’s social media accounts.

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For more information on any other Park District news related items, please visit our website at www.springfieldparks.org