Sulawesi crested black macaque born at Paignton Zoo

The Sulawesi crested black macaque is a Critically Endangered species but this little one was born at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon just before Christmas.

There’s some cause for optimism for the Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra). Experts around the world are working to conserve the Critically Endangered species both in zoos and in the wild. Troops can be seen at Paignton Zoo and sister charity Newquay Zoo as Paignton Zoo manages the European Endangered species Programme for the species.

Additionally, Paignton Zoo supports a conservation project called Selamatkan Yaki (“Save the Yaki”) which works on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia to protect the Sulawesi crested black macaque, known locally as yaki. The United Nations recently gave the project a grant worth more than £200,000 over five years.

Accomplished photographer Chris Rockey took this touching photo of the new arrival in its mother’s arms. This youngster (its sex is unknown at this early stage) joins a troop of nine. Dad is named Hickory and mum is Anneke.