Video: Baby monkey is newest arrival at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

A baby gelada monkey has brought joy to Doncaster’s Yorkshire Wildlife Park after becoming the latest addition to a growing family.

The youngster, born on September 30, is the Park’s first gelada baby of 2026 and has joined a troop of 22 monkeys.

Proud mum Bachuma, the dominant female of her group, welcomed the new arrival with father Taylor.

The experienced mum has plenty of family around her, with three older offspring, Tezeke, Makeda and Colin, all living alongside her at the Park.

Tezeke was born in March last year, making the latest arrival Bachuma’s second baby born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Director of Animals Dr Charlotte MacDonald said: “It’s great news to have our first gelada baby of the year and Bachuma is doing really well.

“She’s an experienced mum now and has quite a family around her, with her older youngsters still living as part of the troop.

“It’s lovely to see another little one joining the group and we’re looking forward to watching the baby grow.”

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The sex of the newborn is not yet known, with rangers waiting to find out whether it is male or female before choosing a name.

The latest birth brings the Park’s gelada population to 22, with two breeding groups living side by side.

Dr Charlotte said: “We have two breeding groups living alongside each other and the latest arrival brings us to 22 geladas, which is fantastic.”

Native to the Ethiopian Highlands, geladas are easily recognised by the distinctive red patches on their chest.

Unlike many other monkeys, they spend a lot of their time on the ground, feeding mainly on grass.

They live in large social groups, with strong family bonds playing an important role in troop life.