SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Two rare snow monkeys have been born at the Great Plains Zoo.
The zoo has 16 of the endangered monkeys.
The babies don't yet have names.
For more information, read the zoo's release below.
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The Great Plains Zoo announced today the birth of two endangered Snow Monkey babies. The babies, born on May 28 and June 10, are one of 24 endangered species cared for by the Zoo.
“Our success in breeding these animals has made for an uncommon and highly-interactive exhibit,” said Elizabeth A. Whealy, President and CEO of the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History. “In addition to the brand-new Snow Monkeys, the troop includes Snow Monkeys that are one-, two-, three-, and four-years old – eight youngsters since the exhibit opened in 2013.”
With the new additions, the Zoo is now home to 16 Snow Monkeys. On average, infants weigh about one pound at birth and are carried on their mothers’ bellies for the first four weeks. Also known as Japanese Macaques, Snow Monkeys are native to the snowy mountains of Japan and are well-known for their intelligence and social behavior.
Both Snow Monkeys are currently without a name, and guests to the Zoo’s annual fundraising gala, can bid on a chance to name new babies during the live auction. The Zoo’s Jungle Jubilee fundraiser will be Thursday, August 2; tickets can be purchased online at www.greatzoo.org/junglejubilee or by calling 605-367-8313, ext. 132.
The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with the last admission at 6 p.m. Visit the Zoo online at www.greatzoo.org, or call 605-367-7003 for more information about the Zoo and Museum.