SAN DIEGO (Nov.15, 2023) — There is a new, tiny face at the San Diego Zoo. A De Brazza’s monkey was born Oct. 28 to parents Lillie and Augustus, and it is the first De Brazza’s monkey born at the Zoo in 26 years. The little primate, whose gender has not yet been determined, can be seen holding tightly to its very attentive mother’s chest while they bond. In the next few weeks, the infant is expected to start walking and climbing. It will stay close to its mother until it is weaned, at around 1 year old.

The little De Brazza’s Monkey born in early June at Milwaukee County Zoo now has a name! The animal care team decided on “Heri.” In Swahili, the name means “happiness” and can also mean “blessed” or “good luck.”

Heri has become more independent and quite adventurous. Holly continues to be a very attentive mom and is available if he needs help. Dad, Hugo, maintains a respectful distance.

Heri has been weighed with Holly holding him, and they recently weighed 6 kg (about 13 pounds) together.

It was an exciting Saturday for visitors to the Primates of the World building at the Milwaukee County Zoo — a De Brazza’s monkey was born in their habitat, in front of the public!

The animal care team shares that mom Holly, 6, had a smooth birth on June 10 and that she and the baby are doing well. Holly is a first-time mom and has been attentive right from the start. Dad is Hugo, 4. Because Holly’s so attentive (and protective), zookeepers have avoided getting too involved, including weighing the baby or determining their sex initially, unless there’s cause for concern.

A baby De Brazza's monkey named Kanani was born December 19th at the Denver Zoo. An adventurous and independent-minded little monkey, Kanani likes to wriggle away from mom and explore her surroundings on her own. Kanani's father was rescued from a black market in Africa as a baby and mother Kisoro was born at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

Old World primates, De Brazza's monkeys are notable for their habit of freezing in place and remaining totally still when they sense danger. Clearly the animated little Kanani in the video below is not too worried.