Yorkshire Wildlife Park announce arrival of adorable baby Gelada Monkey
The tiny new arrival is being cared for by mum Bachuma and dad Taylor
Last updated 10th Apr 2025
Keepers at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have welcomed the arrival of a tiny baby Gelada Monkey.
The newborn is being cared for by mum Bachuma and dad Taylor, and represents a major success for a breeding programme at the park.
The Doncaster attraction is now home to two breeding troops of Gelada, something which is thought to be exceptionally rare.
This baby is the third of the species to be born in South Yorkshire.
Keepers aren't yet sure of its gender.
Amy Wright, from the YWP Primate Team said: “We were delighted when Bachuma first started showing signs of pregnancy.
“Since she gave birth on Friday 14th March, she has kept her baby tight to her chest.
“At 19 years old, Bachuma is the alpha female of one troop of geladas and fiercely protective of her new infant.
“She had experience with her son, Colin, and daughter, Makeda, but this is the first baby for 11-year-old Taylor. He isn’t too much help at the moment but sits close by.
“The other females in the troop help Bachuma with grooming and check up on the baby.
“The other youngsters are pretty disinterested until the infant is around 4-5 months and more playful.
“It is too early to tell the baby’s gender. Male geladas have a long cape of hair and the red patch on their chest is much larger and brighter.”
It comes as the zoo is preparing to host a conference for Gelada experts in October.
Amy added: “It is amazing that we have been asked to host the conference here at the park.
“It is an honour to be recognised for having two breeding groups of gelada in the same reserve, which is extremely rare.
“Geladas originate from high rocky mountain in Ethiopia where global warming is threatening their existence.
“They are the last pure grass-eating species of primate left on the planet, and we are dedicated to protecting them.”