Rachel, a Bolivian gray titi monkey and her baby, the newest member of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Monkey House. Born on January 23, this little one (sex unknown at this time) still stays close to mom and dad, as Bronx Zoo keepers monitor their health and behaviors. This is mom RachelÕs tenth offspring. Dad, Jefe, plays an active role in parenting too. Native to South America, titis live in family groups with parents and offspring and are very territorial. They can easily jump from branch to branch in nature. Their adult zoo diet consists of fruits and leafy vegetables like kale. Wild populations of titis have actually grown in recent years with new species being discovered in the Amazon basin. In fact, in 2005 WCS researcher Dr. Robert Wallace discovered a new species of monkey in the jungles of Madidi National Park in Bolivia. Madidi National Park, where the monkey lives, was established in 1995. It has a stunning array of habitat types Ð from lowland forests to alpine meadows surrounded by glaciers Ð all in an area the size of New Jersey. Beside these titi monkey species, within its border live healthy populations of jaguars, giant river otters, over 1,000 bird species, and many varieties of rare orchids, and other unique plants. Zoo-goers can see titi monkeys and all of the other amazing wildlife at the Bronx Zoo daily. Visit www.bronxzoo.com for more wild information.
(Julie Larsen Maher , WCS / March 14, 2008)
