Rosamond Gifford Zoo Welcomes Baby Monkeys

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, NY, has welcomed two baby patas monkeys, Sisu and Mushu, born weeks apart this spring. Sisu was born on April 26 to Iniko, while Mushu was born on May 11 to Kasi, Iniko's older sister, both under the care of zoo staff due to their mothers' lack of maternal instincts. The monkeys, who are half-sisters fathered by the patas troop leader, Mac, are being hand-raised in the Animal Health Center ICU to ensure their health and survival, as young patas monkey mothers often struggle with raising their young in the wild. Zoo Executive Director Ted Fox emphasized the significance of these births for the North American patas monkey population. The zoo is gradually introducing the babies to their troop through controlled interactions before they are displayed to the public. Visitors can follow the zoo's social media for updates on Sisu and Mushu's progress toward joining the rest of the patas family.