A Tiny New Arrival at Woburn Safari Park
Woburn Safari Park is celebrating a heart-warming new arrival. A tiny Guianan squirrel monkey baby was recently born to first-time mum Willow and dad Murphy.
The newborn arrived in the early hours of November 15, and keepers were thrilled to see the baby already clinging tightly to Willow’s back. This strong grip is an important sign that both mum and baby are doing well.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Keepers first suspected Willow was expecting when Murphy’s behavior suddenly changed. He became noticeably more attentive toward her, a common sign among squirrel monkeys.
Soon after, Willow’s regular monthly weigh-ins showed a gradual increase. Keepers then spotted a small baby bump and darker fur around her eyes — a typical indicator of pregnancy in squirrel monkeys.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Keepers
This birth holds special meaning for the team. Willow was born at Woburn Safari Park and raised by her mother, Tye, the troop’s matriarch.
Watching Willow step confidently into motherhood has been a proud and emotional moment for the keepers, marking a full-circle chapter in the troop’s story.
A Perfect Match
Murphy joined the troop in 2024 as the new breeding male. Like Willow, he has a calm and gentle nature, which makes them a well-matched pair.
Their relaxed bond helped create a peaceful environment for the baby’s arrival.
Keeper Reaction
Senior Animal Keeper James Fryer shared how special the moment was for staff.
He said it was extraordinary to see Willow become a first-time mum and care so confidently for her newborn. He also noted that the birth marks a major success for the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), especially following Murphy’s recent introduction.
Why This Birth Matters
Squirrel monkeys live in the rainforests of South America, where they face growing threats from deforestation and the illegal pet trade. While Guianan squirrel monkeys are not currently listed as endangered, wild populations continue to decline.
Successful breeding at Woburn supports the EEP, helping maintain strong genetic diversity and protect the species for future generations.
Did You Know?
- Squirrel monkeys are highly intelligent and very social
- They live in large troops and use over 25 vocalisations to communicate
- Their diet includes fruit, insects, and small vertebrates
Help Name the New Baby
To celebrate the park’s newest arrival, visitors are invited to help choose a name. In keeping with mum Willow’s nature-inspired name, suggestions should be based on trees, plants, or flowers.
Everyone who enters will be placed into a prize draw to win a family day ticket to Woburn Safari Park. The keepers will select the winning name for the troop’s newest member.
It’s a joyful beginning for a very small monkey with a very bright future 🌿🐒
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