Birmingham Welcomes New Addition to the Zoo Family
In Birmingham, excitement is buzzing at the local zoo as families gather to meet the newest member of the black howler monkey family. Earlier this summer, the Birmingham Zoo reported the birth of a baby monkey, born to parents Matea and Monte. Just last week, the zoo reached out to its community, inviting supporters to help choose a name for the little one.
Name Selection Process
Zookeepers offered three options: Mei, Meera, and Mesa. After an engaging voting period, the choice was clear—with Mei taking 53% of the votes. This isn’t the first time Birmingham has embraced naming duties; Mei is the third baby born to Matea and Monte in recent years, following siblings Miko, who is three years old, and Myla, who is one-and-a-half.
A Thriving Family
The family of five resides together in the black howler monkey habitat located within the Primates and South America Building at the zoo. This cozy environment allows visitors to see how this close-knit family lives their day-to-day life. The howler monkeys are known for their unique vocalizations, making them the loudest terrestrial animals in the Western Hemisphere. Their distinctive howls echo through the local landscape and can be heard from quite a distance.
About Black Howler Monkeys
According to the Birmingham Zoo, black howler monkeys are native to South America, with their habitats spread across Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. These monkeys are considered the largest species among Latin American rainforests. In the wild, black howler monkeys have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while those in human care, such as at zoos, can often live to be over 20 years old.
Breeding and Conservation Efforts
The birth of Mei is a product of carefully managed breeding plans. The family at the Birmingham Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for black howler monkeys. This program focuses on the cooperative management of this species, ensuring that populations remain healthy and sustainable in accredited zoos. Through these efforts, zoos around the country work together to enhance the well-being and stability of diverse animal populations.
Community Engagement
The Birmingham Zoo encourages the community to engage with their local wildlife. Have you spotted the black howler monkey family during your visit? The zoo invites you to share your experiences and favorite stories about them on social media. You can tag the zoo on Instagram at @bhamnow to join the conversation.
Conclusion
The arrival of Mei adds to the growing excitement around wildlife conservation and education at the Birmingham Zoo. As visitors and local families look forward to watching her grow alongside her siblings, the zoo continues to play a vital role in promoting understanding and appreciation for these incredible creatures.
As the Birmingham community comes together to celebrate this newest addition, one can’t help but feel a sense of pride in supporting such initiatives. Stay informed about the zoo’s offerings and events, and be sure to plan your next visit to see the delightful black howler monkey family.
