Belfast Zoo is celebrating the birth of a tiny Red Titi Monkey. The latest arrival was born to mum, Inca, and dad, Aztec, on January 26.

Although Inca has her hands full, Aztec is willing and able to help, as male Titi Monkeys play a very active role in parenting and are the main childcare providers.

Aztec can be seen carrying the infant on his back and returning it to mum in time for nursing. The infant will cling to Aztec and Inca for approximately four to five months and, for this reason, keepers have been unable to confirm the sex of the latest arrival.

Zoo curator, Julie Mansell, said, “Belfast Zoo has been home to Red Titi Monkeys since 2010, when Inca and Aztec arrived from London Zoo and Blackpool Zoo respectively, as part of the collaborative breeding programme. Red Titi Monkeys are an unusual primate, as they are monogamous and mate for life. Aztec and Inca can often be seen sitting or sleeping, with their tails intertwined. The pair welcomed their first daughter in July 2011 and have continued to build their family in subsequent years. With the latest arrival, Belfast Zoo is now home to a total of six Red Titi Monkeys.”

Photo Credits: Belfast Zoo

As their name suggests, the Red Titi Monkey (Callicebus cupreus) has red, fluffy fur and a small grey face. Also known as ‘Coppery Titi Monkey’ or ‘Coppery Titi’, this primate species is found in the rainforests of South America including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.

This Red Titi Monkey is currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The species’ relatively large range in a pristine region of the Amazon, and no known major threats have influenced the decision to classify the species at that level.

Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said, “It’s the perfect time to visit Belfast Zoo as, for the month of March, we will be offering some ‘zooper’ special offers. If you are planning to visit, you can book your discounted adult and concession tickets on our website. We are also offering up to 25% off penguin, giraffe and lemur experiences, up to 24% off elephant keeper for a day experiences and up to 25% off all animal adoption packages. You can find out more about our ‘March Madness’ offers at www.belfastzoo.co.uk .”