The Buffalo Zoo's New Baby Black Howler Monkey Is Stuck to Mom Like Glue
One of the most fun places to take the kids on a day off is the zoo. Always an exciting experience for the entire family, zoos give visitors a chance to get an up-close look at their favorite wild animals while also learning a thing or two about them in the process.
What makes zoos even more special is the chance to witness moments you don't often get to see in the wild, especially when it comes to newborn animals and the ability to watch families grow. And as luck would have it, the Buffalo Zoo is currently home to a particularly heartwarming new arrival, one that's already capturing loads of attention online.
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The Buffalo Zoo Welcomes a Baby Black Howler Monkey
Born into the world on April 20, 2026, to first-time mom Rio and first-time dad Tater, the infant has not yet been named or had its gender confirmed, though it is reportedly doing incredibly well in its first weeks of life. And while the little one awaits further testing to determine its gender, fans are already gushing over the heartwarming display of family bonding, with the infant closely attached to mom since day one.
"Black howler monkey mothers are known to provide incredibly attentive care for their infants, and Rio has been no different," the Buffalo Zoo shared in a Facebook post about the new arrival. "Zoo staff have observed the baby constantly with mom, and Rio has done an excellent job caring for and feeding her infant."
For those planning a visit, the baby will be on exhibit daily with Rio and Tater until around noon in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls for the near future. That said, if you want to increase your chances of spotting the little cutie, the zoo recommends keeping a close eye on Rio, as the infant will likely be clinging to her belly.
Interesting Facts About Black Howler Monkeys
If you're just learning about black howler monkeys, you'll be pleased to know they are extremely fascinating primates with some truly unique traits. Here are a few key facts about the species, provided by the Buffalo Zoo, that are worth knowing before visiting the exhibit yourself:
- Black howler monkeys are listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to habitat loss, hunting pressures and disease vulnerability.
- They are native to the rainforests of South America and are among the largest monkey species on the continent.
- They are best known for their powerful "howl," which can be heard from over a mile away.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 9:34 AM.