Dudley Zoo breeds its rarest mammal in its 75 year history (From Dudley News)

Dudley Zoo breeds its rarest mammal in its 75 year history

9:00am Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News

Dudley Zoo primate keepers are celebrating the birth its rarest mammal in its 75 year history – twice in one month!

Two baby yellow-breasted capuchins - one of the world’s rarest species of primate - were born at the Castle Hill attraction over a three-week span.

The first arrival, on June 25 was born to nine year-old Dinya while five year-old Holly produced the second baby on July 17. Dad is five-year-old Willow.

Curator, Matt Lewis, said: “The yellow-breasted capuchin is critically endangered, and among the top 20 rarest primates in the world. "Approximately 300 are known to be living in the wild, rendering the species at a very high risk of extinction.

“It is excellent news that the breeding group we brought together last year has already proved to be viable."

The group relocated to Dudley Zoo last year from various locations across Europe as part of an international conservation programme.

Dinya transferred from Edinburgh Zoo in June , Willow moved from Colchester Zoo in July while Holly joined them from Holland in September. However the trio remain the property of the Brazilian government and are on loan from the Rio Primate Centre.

Meanwhile the zoo has also welcomed the first black howler monkey to be born on site.

The new arrival, who has been named Aria, is the offspring of five-year-old male Dargie and mum Aryanna aged three-and-a-half.

Curator Matt Lewis added: ”This is the first time that Dudley Zoo has bred a black howler, and we are proud of our achievement.”