The newest addition to Basel Zoo's coppery titi family is swinging intrepidly around the ropes. These monkeys, which are rather rare in zoos, are part of an Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Basel Zoo supports a project to protect and research titi monkeys in Peru.

On 5 October, a baby coppery titi was born at Basel Zoo. The little one is most likely a boy and has been named Payaso – it is difficult to tell if a young coppery titi is male or female. Payaso's parents are Chica (9) and Gunther (13). He is very lively and is already daring to take a few steps away from his mother. The little one is hanging boldly from the ropes all on his own, but speeds straight back to the arms of mum or dad at the slightest hint of danger.

Better together

Payaso is carried around by both parents. Usually, older siblings in coppery titi families also help to look after the new arrival. However, older sibling Marañon (3) prefers to sit on the sidelines, joining the family to sleep. In the wild, older siblings remain with the family for a long time and help to raise young, only moving away when the group becomes too large. Payaso is Gunther and Chica's ninth child.

Coppery titis can be found in the western Amazon basin, near ground level in the rainforest, and live as monogamous pairs with their young. They are known for their loud early-morning duets, and like to sit side by side with their long bushy tails intertwined. Coppery titis claim small territories a few square kilometres in size and primarily eat fruit and leaves.

Basel Zoo is supporting a conservation project

Basel Zoo has been supporting 'Proyecto Mono Tocon' for the conservation and research of titi monkeys in Peru since 2012. The project is seeking to obtain official protected status for valuable areas. It records biodiversity and the concentration of monkey species in the relevant areas, and teaches locals about how to protect the animals. 'Proyecto Mono Tocon' also plays a very active role in environmental education, developing educational materials for schools and working with other environmental education organisations.

Only 25 European zoos are home to coppery titis, with a total of just 98 animals in these zoos.