A new baby for Tolkein: Howler monkey with restored sight gives birth

Betsy Herrelko — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 06:07:32 +0000

We’ve heard of modern medicine helping zoo animals in many ways (including Salome, a western lowland gorilla at the Bristol Zoo reproducing with the help of fertility drugs) and the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park adds another success to the list: cataract surgery. A howler monkey named Tolkein relied on the help of her caregivers in daily activities since she developed cataracts as a juvenile.

The surgery restoring her eye sight was a success and after her recovery, Tolkein was introduced to a new arrival at the Wild Animal Park, Clyde. About a week ago, the two became parents of baby who is yet to be named…. a baby that Tolkein can care for with the help of all of her senses.

Simon Jeffery, a headkeeper at the Wild Animal Park reports that,

“At just a week old the baby seems strong and healthy and is very interested in its surroundings and so far Tolkein is being a perfect mum.”

(Photo courtesy of kentnews.co.uk)

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A new baby for Tolkein: Howler monkey with restored sight gives birth