A new capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) has been born at Terra Natura Benidorm, bringing the total number of individuals in the troop to 11. The birth, which took place on 26th June, went smoothly, and both mother and baby are in good health. Weighing

around 200 grams at birth, the newborn is clinging tightly to its mother, who is displaying strong protective instincts.

The mother, Miri, is an experienced female and this is her third offspring. Her two previous young are also part of the current group. The father was Gollum, the troop’s dominant male until his natural passing earlier this year. Following his death, the group experienced a brief split into two subgroups, but they are now in the process of reuniting into a single cohesive family unit.

As part of the park’s standard veterinary protocol, our team of specialists carries out daily observations to ensure the bay remains securely attached to its mother and is nursing properly. If any abnormalities are detected, a specific clinical intervention would be initiated. So far, the progress is positive, and the mother-infant bond is developing as expected. The sex of the baby has yet to be determined, as it remains constantly attached to its mother’s body. This will become clearer once the infant begins to separate and allows a view of the inguinal area.

The capuchin monkeys live in an outdoor acility within the America area, next to the aviary. From the very first day, the baby has accompanied its mother out onto the grassland, so visitors to the park can already catch a glimpse of the little one in its naturalistic surroundings. The infant will nurse for almost a year, although it will begin to show interest in the solid food its mother eats a little earlier. These monkeys are highly social creatures, and whenever a birth occurs, the rest of the group typically gathers with great curiosity to meet the new arrival.

At Terra Natura Benidorm, we have successfully managed several births of this species in the past, and we collaborate with other zoological institutions through animal transfers as part of our ongoing commitment to animal welfare and conservation. While the species is not currently considered to be under significant threat according to the IUCN, it is listed in Appendix II of CITES. It’s important to note that capuchin monkeys are among the most commonly kept primates as pets, but the park reminds visitors that “primates are not suitable to be kept as pets. They require a habitat that mirrors their natural environment and the presence of a social group to avoid psychological distress.”