Monkey Gives Birth After Kidnap Ordeal

[Boronia]

LabTested posted a topic about the little Tamarind monkeys that were stolen in October 2010.

Well here is an update: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-23/miracle-monkey-gives-birth-after-2010-theft/3788834

(lovely photo :) )

A tiny rare monkey that was stolen from a Brisbane zoo has become a mother for the first time.

Conchetta, a cotton-top tamarin, and her breeding partner Tonto were stolen from Alma Park in late 2010.

Tonto was found dead and Conchetta, now aged 12, was handed in to a zoo south of Sydney four months later.

Alma Park head keeper Alison Wright says it was initially believed Conchetta may have missed her chance to be a mother.

"Normally with cotton tops they'll start breeding around five or six so she is a little bit of an older mother but she is doing really well," she said.

Alma Park curator Dr Heather Hesterman says the birth is "fantastic news".

"We're so excited," she said.

"The birth of this baby not only represents something quite incredible for Conchetta, who's been through a massive ordeal in the past, but it also is a big boost to the Australasian population.

"She is actually the number one ranked breeding female throughout all of Australasia and there is only around about 100 cotton tops left in captivity."

Of those cotton tops left in captivity, only three babies were born last year. Now, Conchetta and her new mate Manny could bread again before the year is out.

Conchetta was also pregnant in October 2010 when she and her breeding partner were stolen.

It is believed offenders cut their way into Alma Park Zoo and took the tiny cotton-top tamarins - a small monkey found in Central and South America.

At the time, zoo keepers said Conchetta may have been expecting twins, but that she was likely to miscarry due to the ordeal.

Tonto was found dead in a backyard near the zoo after a pet dog alerted it to the homeowners.

Zoo keepers believed there had been a struggle with his captor, as the tiny tamarin was missing large clumps of fur.

Conchetta was thought to be having twins again this time, as her weight reached a heavy 400 grams, but zoo staff were pleased with just the one.

"It's ended up being one enormous baby and we're thrilled to bits."

The baby's gender will not be known for months.

[k9angel]

Conrats Conchetta

But so sad for little Tonto.

[Loving my Oldies]

How wonderful to read this update. Thank you so much Boronia. The original kidnap story was just so sad, such a ghastly and tragic experience for Conchetta and Tonto. May Conchetta and Manny be blessed with many more offspring.

Sad that the perpetrators of the kidnap have not been found and punished.