Heart of Africa Welcomes Baby Vervet Monkey

Heart of Africa grows bigger with the first baby vervet monkey! Born on June 6, mother and baby are doing well and are spending a limited amount of time in the outdoor habitat. The baby, a boy, has black hair and a pink face, but after three or four months the infant's coat will develop adult coloration. The gestation period for vervet monkeys is about five and a half months and during the first week following birth, the young will cling to the mother's stomach. Around the third week, the baby will attempt to play with other young monkeys. Vervet monkeys are highly social animals and when a baby is born, he or she is highly cherished by all members of the troop, and adult females will look for any chance to groom or hold the infant. Vervet monkeys are also known for their adventurous streak, which results in commando-style raids on campsites and other places humans occupy. Stop by and visit these mischievous monkeys at the all-new Heart of Africa!