Endangered Diana monkey born at ARTIS Zoo

The cub had just been born when zookeeper Sandra de Groot arrived in the enclosure. 'Normally they are very vocal, but it was quiet in the enclosure for a while. The mother had immediately taken care of her cub and licked it clean. Her sister, possibly also an expectant mother, also came to watch much curiously. The cub is already quite large and therefore easy for visitors to see.'

Fragmented population

The Diana monkey is one of Africa's most endangered monkeys. The habitat of the Diana monkey in West Africa has shrunk significantly over the past 30 years. Thus, hunting of the Diana cat is common because of their valuable fur. Even more threatening, according to IUCN, is the fragmentation of their habitat due to deforestation for timber production and space for agriculture. This results in smaller subpopulations, whose long-term genetic health is compromised. Managing a healthy population in zoos, both internationally and in Africa, can help rebuild wildlife populations in the long term.   

WAPCA

WAPCA (West African Primate Conservation Action) works in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to conserve and protect endangered primates such as the Diana monkey. ARTIS Zoo contributes annually to research and conservation efforts coordinated by WAPCA at Tai National Park in Côte d'Ivoire. This park is one of the last strongholds for 11 primate species, including chimpanzees and the Diana monkey. Thanks to partners, WAPCA has increased the capacity of guards, launched local awareness programmes and is conducting research. In addition, the presence of researchers is already indirectly protecting primates and reducing poaching. Now a structural plan for successful conservation of these primate species is being developed. Zoos and local conservation organisations are increasingly working together and joining forces for this purpose.