Endangered Monkey Saved from Amputation Welcomes 'Dinky' Baby at Chester Zoo
An endangered roloway monkey, whose foot was rescued from amputation through a groundbreaking surgical procedure, has joyfully welcomed a tiny baby girl into the world. The mother, fifteen-year-old Masaya, is reported to be parenting magnificently as she bonds with her newborn, named Lagertha.
Complex Surgery Paves Way for New Life
Months before the birth, Masaya underwent a highly complex operation to remove a golf ball-sized mass from her limb. Despite no prior documented examples of surgery on roloway monkeys, veterinary experts at Chester Zoo collaborated with surgeons from the University of Liverpool to adapt techniques and perform the delicate procedure last summer.
The team successfully saved all but one of Masaya's toes, preventing a full amputation that could have severely impacted her ability to care for offspring. Vets believe the abscess may have been caused by an old thorn injury, with Masaya having suffered recurring foot problems since her arrival at Chester Zoo in 2023.
Adorable Bond Captured in Heartwarming Photos
Adorable photographs have now been released, showcasing the strong bond between Masaya and Lagertha. In one image, the mother is seen clutching her little girl tightly during a heartfelt moment, while another captures Lagertha's sprightly step as she leaps through the zoo grounds.
Zoe Edwards, primate keeper at Chester Zoo, expressed relief and joy: 'Masaya is a very experienced mum and she's parenting magnificently. Lagertha is only a few weeks old and is very dinky but already curious about the roloway monkey habitat and inquisitive about us.'
Conservation Significance and Recovery Milestones
The successful healing of Masaya's foot is a critical milestone, as an amputation would have raised serious concerns about her ability to hold her offspring or engage in normal behaviours. Lagertha, named after a Viking queen, is just over four weeks old and about the size of a tennis ball.
Chester Zoo is one of only two locations in the UK where roloway monkeys can be found, with few breeding females across Europe. Masaya, now a mother-of-three, represents a vital part of conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Edwards highlighted the broader implications: 'The fact Masaya's foot has healed so well is a huge relief. If she'd had an amputation, we'd have been left with real questions about whether she could hold her offspring or continue with her normal behaviours.' This story underscores the importance of innovative veterinary care in wildlife preservation.
