Introducing adorable baby patas monkey, Swift. Our first primate birth on the zoo for five years!

Get ready for a serious dose of cuteness as we introduce another new baby to the zoo – baby patas monkey ‘Swift’ (keeper Rosie is a huge Taylor Swift fan)!

Adorable new baby patas monkey Swift, cosying up to mum Zweena

Swift was born on August 11 as part of the European Breeding programme for the species and has been delighting our keepers who’ve been keeping a close watch over the newest baby, along with first time mum Zweena and fellow troop member – ‘auntie’ Zora.

We’re super proud of our fantastic zookeepers as the patas monkeys only arrived with us towards the end of 2022.

Proud patas parents Zweena and Wyatt with baby Swift

“This is the first primate birth on the zoo for five years so we’re delighted to welcome a new baby patas to the family – especially as patas monkeys are classed as a near threatened species! Swift is looking really strong and is doing so well. Mum Zweena has been wonderful and is keeping baby close but Swift is already starting to explore independently.”

“The other female in the troop, Zora, has been a really helpful babysitter whilst dad Krusty has been leaving the females take care of things – although he does occasionally check in to say hello! Juvenile male, Wyatt has been trying to play with Swift already and is excited to have a new friend” – Rosie Badger, zookeeper

Patas monkeys are classed as a near threatened species on the IUCN red list – the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal and plant species. Threats such as habitat loss and being captured for the pet trade are the main reason for the decline in population.

We’re sure you can agree that little Swift is an adorable addition to the patas troop – so make sure you pop by their enclosure to say hello on your next visit. They’re located next to the Kifaru Reserve entrance just before you reach Asian Adventure.