The Bedford Estates, LondonThere's a brand-new little bundle of joy in the treetops at Woburn Safari Park, a tiny Guianan squirrel monkey baby has arrived! Born to mum Willow and dad Murphy, keepers are thrilled to share the news and excited to welcome a new generation to the troop.
The little one was born in the early hours of 15th November, and when keepers arrived in the morning, they spotted it already clinging tightly to Willow's back. This is Willow's very first baby, and it's a particularly touching moment for the team, as Willow herself was born right here at Woburn. Raised by her mum Tye, the troop's matriarch, Willow has grown from a tiny, curious youngster into a calm, gentle monkey. Seeing her now become a mum is a real full-circle moment.
Dad Murphy, who joined the Park in 2024 as the troop's new breeding male, is just as quiet-natured as Willow. Both parents tend to stay out of the group's politics, making this peaceful pairing a lovely match.
Keepers suspected Willow was expecting when Murphy suddenly began showering her with attention. Soon after, Willow's monthly weigh-ins showed a gentle increase, followed by a clear baby bump. Finally, the fur around her eyes deepened in colour, a usual sign of pregnancy in Guianan squirrel monkeys. Keepers checked her progress each week, but Willow grew up in a troop full of seasoned mums, so she took the whole thing in her stride.
"It’s incredibly special to see Willow become a first-time mum. She gave birth in the early hours of 15th November, and we arrived to find her confidently caring for her newborn. This is a brilliant achievement for the EEP breeding programme, especially following Murphy’s introduction last year as the troop’s new breeding male." - James Fryer, Deputy Head of Section / Senior Keeper
Come and visit the tree-mendous arrival
Visitors hoping to spot the little one should keep their eyes up high when they visit Monkey Mayhem. Squirrel monkeys hardly ever come down to the ground, so look along the ropes and you might see the newest, tiniest member of the group hitching a ride on Willow's back!