"He ain't heavy, he's my brother"

Basel Zoo's new red titi monkey

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – The Basel Zoo has announced the birth of its latest monkey, a little red or coppery titi, born 27 December to mother Chica, age 9 and father Gunther, age 6.

The pair already have two offspring, unusual for red titis, not often born in captivity.

But as exciting as the news is, equally exciting is the zoo’s observation that the newborn’s two older brothers are carrying him on their backs.

The father traditionally carries his offspring on his back, but Hijo, age 2 and Hermoso, age 1, have been seen sporting their little sibling on their backs. It’s not yet known if the little one is female or male.

The zoo supports a research programme to study the animals in their natural habitat, in Peru.