The new baby monkey at Assiniboine Park Zoo

A Goeldi’s monkey was recently born at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

Baby fever is in the air at Assiniboine Park Zoo.

The zoo announced Wednesday there is a new addition to the Goeldi monkey family. A baby girl was born on Dec. 18 and has just recently moved to public viewing after receiving around-the-clock care from the zoo’s health team in her first few months of life.

In a Facebook post, the zoo said the monkey’s mom, Evy, was unable to produce milk, so staff had to hand-raise the little girl.

“For primates, socialization is critical, and hand-rearing – if not managed properly – can create confusion during early development. Great care was taken to prevent that, ensuring she grows up knowing she is a monkey, is able to build social bonds, exhibit natural behaviours, and thrive,” the post read.

The zoo said staff worked around the clock, day and night, ensuring the new baby got the care she required.

During the entire process, they said Evy and her grandma, Lea, remained by her side.

“That dedication has paid off. Baby appears strong, independent, and is starting to sample solid foods. We are now feeding her a mash of milk and specialized food twice daily, and we expect her to be fully weaned within a few weeks.”

Evy is also showing signs of being a great mother, the zoo said, noting she is very attentive and protective of her little one.

“She was really interested in the baby from day one,” said Charlene Berkvens, the director of animal health and nutrition at the zoo.

“I think that has helped a lot. Right away, the baby wanted to go to the parent, to the mom, to the grandma, and both of them have taken turns allowing her to ride on them.”

Berkvens said the zoo will be having a naming contest soon for the new baby. They are currently working on a shortlist of names, which then the public can vote for on social media.

When heading to the zoo, people can check out the Toucan Ridge, where the newborn is on display with the rest of her Goeldi family.