Monkey 'defies medical odds' and gives birth

A monkey that was diagnosed with an ovarian tumour during pregnancy has "defied medical odds" and given birth, zoo keepers have said.

Diana monkey, Akea, who is 18 years old, delivered the healthy infant on Thursday, Paignton Zoo said.

The zoo in Devon added the birth was a "critical milestone" for the conservation of Diana monkeys, which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Nadia Gould, team leader of mammals, said monitoring Akea and the baby's development during pregnancy was a "delicate balancing act of nature and medical intervention".

Ms Gould said the "complex medical situation" made the birth "particularly remarkable".

"Throughout her pregnancy, we've been monitoring both her health and the development of her baby while managing the presence of an ovarian tumour," she said.

"We are overjoyed that she's been able to give birth successfully, and now visitors have the unique chance to witness these precious early bonding moments between Akea and her infant."

The zoo said both the mother and baby were doing well.

It said the newborn was Akea's second offspring, following Sakari who was born in August 2022.

The Diana monkey population in their native West African forests continue to decline, the zoo said, due to habitat destruction and hunting.

The zoo said the newborn would be visible at Monkey Heights.

It said it would continue to monitor Akea's health, with a procedure to address her tumour scheduled in the coming months.

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