Indiana Zoo Announces First-Ever Howler Monkey Birth
Get ready to let out a loud, "Awwwwww," next time you make a trip to Evansville's Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
Officials with the zoo made an exciting announcement on Facebook Tuesday afternoon saying its two howler monkeys, Ulick and Callie, welcomed a new bundle of joy over the weekend, making it the first-ever baby howler monkey born at the zoo.
The proud parents Callie (female, left) and Ulick (male, right).
Native to Central and South America, howler monkeys are known for their loud voices. Callie, Ulick, and their new baby live in the Amazonia exhibit at Mesker Park Zoo as it best mimics their natural habitat. Chances are, if you've ever walked through the exhibit you've likely heard one of them calling out to the other, or just showing off their impressive pipes. If you've not been through the exhibit, this is what a howler monkey sounds like:
Congratulations! It's a _____
According to the post on Facebook, the staff at the zoon don't know the gender of the new arrival just yet. They say they'll have to wait until the baby feels comfortable enough to explore their habitat on their own. For now, it's most comfortable clinging as tightly as it can to its momma, regardless of whether she taking a stroll along the treetops or just trying to eat (something all human mothers can definitely relate to).
The good news is, unlike the baby penguin born a few weeks ago who is being kept behind the scenes until it is big enough to join the rest of its fellow penguins in the Penguins of Patagonia exhibit, the baby howler is already out and about with mom and dad and can be seen by visitors. Of course, it might be a little hard to spot while it's clinging to Mom.
READ MORE: Mesker Park Zoo Welcomes Adorable Baby Penguin into the World!
Visit the Mesker Park Zoo website for regular hours and admission prices.
[Source: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden on Facebook]