(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo has a new baby female snow monkey, born last weekend. The Zoo's annual Safari Soiree gala this Thursday will feature an online silent auction, allowing the public to bid for a chance to name the new baby macaque. The new baby can be seen east of the carousel.
The troop of macaques at Blank Park Zoo are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program. The program began in 1981 to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable population for future generations.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome this beautiful baby girl into our zoo family. This birth not only brings joy to our team and visitors but also underscores our ongoing dedication to species conservation and education,” Blank Park Zoo President & CEO Anne Shimerdla said. “It’s a wonderful reminder of the incredible work being done every day to protect and preserve wildlife.”
Miya, the mother, was also born at Blank Park Zoo on April 20, 2012. This latest addition is her third. Miya’s other two offspring include Gigi, a female born in 2017, and Shoyo, a male born in 2020.