Surprise Japanese Macaque Birth

The NEW Zoo of Brown County • Owned and operated by Brown County

Skip to Content » American Zoo and Aquarium Association

Snow Monkey: Akira

This little Japanese macaque (snow monkey) was a surprise birth on Easter morning. Her mother had been implanted with birth control as she is an older female. Fortunately, the failed birth control resulted in a valuable genetic addition for this SSP species.

A difficult birth left both mother and infant weak and forced zoo officials to intervene to save the baby. Little Akira’s mother was not willing to care for her baby when she was returned the following day.

Zookeeper Jessica Hutjens is filling the role of surrogate mother. Akira is currently in the process of being integrated into the troop. She spends playtime with two of her older half sisters daily.