Buffalo Zoo announces birth of black howler monkey

Buffalo Zoo press release

The population of the Buffalo Zoo’s “M&T Bank Rainforest Falls” has grown.

The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a baby black howler monkey, which entered the world on April 20. Born to first-time mom Rio, age 7, and first-time dad Tater, 8, the infant, which does not yet have a name or confirmed gender, is doing incredibly well in their care.

“Our black howler monkey baby is not just an exciting addition to our zoo, but an important step forward in supporting the conservation of this species,” Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith said. “The birth is a testament to the incredible work and care of our Buffalo Zoo team, and we cannot wait for our community to meet this adorable new face.”

Black howler monkey mothers are known to provide incredibly attentive care for their infants, and Rio has been no different. Zoo staff has observed the baby constantly with mom, and Rio has done an excellent job caring for and feeding the infant.

Visitors swinging by “M&T Bank Rainforest Falls” hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby should keep a close eye on Rio, as the infant is likely clinging to her belly. The baby will be on exhibit daily with mom and dad until around noon in the near future.

Howler monkeys photos provided by and courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo.

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Black howler monkeys are currently listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making this birth an incredibly positive development to ensure the survival of the species. Population declines for black howler monkeys are largely due to habitat loss, hunting pressures, and vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Native to the rainforests of South America, black howler monkeys are among the largest monkey species on the continent. They are recognized for their well-known “howl,” a powerful, loud vocalization that can be heard from over a mile away.

The Buffalo Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with last admission at 4 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online at WWW.buffalozoo.org, or in-person at the front entrance gate.

More about the Buffalo Zoo: Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the third-oldest zoo in the U.S. Each year, the Buffalo Zoo welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors annually and is among the largest tourist attractions in Western New York. Located on 23.5 acres of Frederick Law Olmsted’s beautiful Delaware Park, the site provides interactive and educational family experiences throughout the year. With a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals and more than 320 different species of plants, visitors are introduced to and engulfed by nature each time they visit. For more information, visit www.buffalozoo.org.