There’s been a baby boom in our Barbary macaque reserve, and we’re delighted to introduce the newest members of the troop!
Over the past two months, we’ve welcomed three Barbary macaque babies – Jura, Jenny, and Jimmy – as part of another successful breeding season at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
The first arrival was Jura, a female born to mum Laguea on the 9th of May. She was followed by Jenny, born to Orcus on the 19th of May, and most recently Jimmy, who arrived on the 13th of June to mum Marie Teresa. Jimmy is the only male of this year’s arrivals!
Our keepers follow a special naming tradition for the youngsters, with all babies born in a year receiving names beginning with the same letter. Following last year’s ‘I’ names, this year’s little ones have all received ‘J’ names.
The babies are still spending lots of time safely tucked in close to mum, but they’re already beginning to grow in confidence. Before long, they’ll be climbing, playing and exploring more of their surroundings as they learn from the rest of the troop.
Barbary macaques are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with wild populations now found only in Morocco and Algeria. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade have all contributed to declines in the species, making conservation breeding programmes an important part of protecting their future.
Our troop has a particularly special story. In 2014, we welcomed a group of Barbary macaques relocated from Gibraltar as part of a population management programme. Since arriving at Blair Drummond, the troop has continued to thrive, with these successful births helping to support the European endangered species breeding programme and maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population.
Carolyn Booth, Macaques Team Leader at Blair Drummond Safari Park, said:
“Welcoming new babies is always one of the highlights of the year, and we’re delighted to see all three youngsters doing so well. The whole troop takes an interest whenever a new baby arrives. You’ll often see other macaques gathering around for a closer look, and even the adult males will spend time carrying and looking after the youngsters. It’s lovely to watch the babies grow in confidence as they start venturing a little further from mum each day, and before long they’ll be climbing, playing and getting into all sorts of mischief.”
If you’re visiting the park this summer, you can spot Jura, Jenny, and Jimmy from the comfort of your own car as you drive through our macaque reserve. Keep your eyes peeled – you might just catch them exploring, playing or being looked after by the rest of the troop!