Experts see the young black howler, with less than a month left to live, as a hope for saving the species. The baby was born in June at Pomerode Zoo, in Vale do Itajaí, healthy and cared for by his mother.

The howler monkey was born at the Pomerode Zoo and symbolizes the hope for the conservation of the species – Photo: NDTV/Balanço Geral

Even though it is so young, it has a large representation, as it contradicts the statistics presented in 2021, when more than 130 monkeys died in captivity, victims of yellow fever, in Santa Catarina, and more than 620 cases were notified by the Office of Epidemiological Surveillance (dive).

“The disease has unfortunately endangered several groups of primates. Until recently, it was common to hear animals snore in the region’s forests, and this is becoming less and less common. Therefore, this birth is very important for the species,” explains the biologist in charge of Pomerode Zoo, Leandro Maciel. The team confirms that monkeys do not transmit the disease, but mosquitoes do, making primates the biggest victims.

The puppy was born naturally and receives daily treatment from the mother, with the supply of milk and care for his hygiene. “Because he is healthy and doing well, he has not yet been removed from the weight check, as this may lead to his exclusion from the group,” explains the biologist. To ensure their well-being, the Zoo Pomerode team doubled down on the care of the enclosure, offering a diet high in calcium and calories, as well as measures to minimize group noise and disturbance.

Now Pomerode Zoo now has seven black howler monkeys, five males, one female, and a small new resident who is still undetermined by gender. The concern for species at this site is so great that four more births have been recorded between 2015 and 2021.

environmental protection

To prevent the animals of the place from suffering from diseases such as yellow fever, the biologist explains that the animals that live in Pomerode Zoo have shade-covered enclosures, comprehensive care and daily care from cleaning to maintenance. “All observation and daily attention minimizes their impact on any situation, and as a result they get sick less than wild animals.”

The biologist also clarifies that the animals are part of a conservation program. Each has a specific entry and full control to ensure that it and its direct descendants are preserved. “If necessary, they will be able to re-colonize areas where their populations have been decimated by yellow fever,” he concludes.

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Howler monkey was born at Pomerode Zoo and represents hope for the conservation of the species – Video: Zoo Pomerode/Disclosure