A new baby has arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and it’s got more hair than your average newborn and a whole lot more attitude. On Friday 14th March, a tiny Gelada monkey was born—and the whole park (and honestly, most of Yorkshire) is buzzing about it. Not just because it’s ridiculously cute, but because it marks a big win for conservation and an even bigger reason to visit during the Easter break.
Let’s talk about why this baby monkey matters, how to spot it, and what else is going on at the park right now. Spoiler alert: there are pirates, eggs, and live shows involved.
A big win for endangered monkeys
So, what’s the big deal about one small monkey? Quite a bit, actually. This isn’t just a random primate birth—it’s a big moment for the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP), which helps keep endangered species thriving in captivity.
The baby’s mum, Bachuma, is 19 years old and the boss of her troop. She’s already raised two little ones—Colin and Makeda—so she’s pretty chilled (though still very protective). This is the first baby for dad Taylor, who’s 11. He’s still figuring out the whole “dad” thing. So far, he mostly just sits nearby looking slightly confused. Relatable, right?
What’s really special? Yorkshire Wildlife Park is now one of the first places in the world to have two breeding Gelada troops in the same reserve. That’s a big deal, considering how rare it is.
Meet the Geladas: Ethiopia’s grass-eating cliff-hangers
If you’ve never heard of Gelada monkeys, they’re like baboons but with bigger hair and way more drama. Native to the mountains of Ethiopia, they live on steep cliffs and mostly eat grass—yep, proper lawn-munchers.
They’re also known for something very… different. The males have a pink, heart-shaped patch on their chest that shows off their dominance and lets everyone know they’re ready to mingle. You can’t miss it—it looks like someone slapped a sticker on them at a Valentine’s Day party.
The new baby is still tiny and clinging to mum’s chest, so it’s too early to say if it’s a boy or a girl. Male Geladas grow long capes of shaggy hair and get those bright red chest patches. Females? A bit sleeker, a bit sassier.
Two troops, one epic enclosure
Right now, there are six monkeys in one group led by Obi (Taylor’s half-brother) and another eleven in Taylor’s group, including the new baby. All of them live in an area called Experience Ethiopia, which is designed to feel like their natural mountain home.
It’s the monkey equivalent of a gated community—two families, sharing space, figuring out their social rules, and occasionally throwing a bit of shade.
The park’s work is such a big deal that they’ve been chosen to host the European Gelada Conference in October 2025. That’s like Glastonbury for zookeepers. Professionals from all over Europe will be coming to Doncaster to talk monkey business. No pressure.
Spot the baby over Easter—if you’re lucky
If you’re heading to the park over the Easter holidays, keep your eyes peeled. The baby’s still being snuggled closely by mum, so you might not spot it straight away. But as the weather warms up, it’ll start to explore more—and by 4 or 5 months, it’ll be climbing, playing, and generally causing adorable chaos.
Amy Wright, Head of the Primate Team, said:
“Some of our eager visitors have spotted the new Gelada baby but most have not been able to catch a glimpse. As the weather gets nicer over the Easter holidays, the infant will definitely be out and about playing and more noticeable.”
What else is happening at the park?
Let’s be honest—Geladas are great, but the park isn’t stopping there. From Sunday 29th March to Monday 21st April, they’re running their Easter Egg-stravaganza, which includes:
- Victor’s Big Adventure
- The Jungle Book Live Show
- Pirates of Pantaloon Bay
Yep, actual pirates. And it’s all included in the ticket price.
That’s on top of everything else the 175-acre park already offers—like up-close views of Amur Leopards, Polar Bears, African Painted Dogs, and Black Rhinos. It’s not every day you get to see a monkey, a tiger, and a pirate in the same afternoon.
Make a day (or weekend) of it
If one day isn’t enough, you can stay over at The Hex Wildlife Hotel, right next to the park. There’s also The Yorkshire Hive, which is packed with places to eat, shop, and generally chill out after a busy day of animal spotting.
Whether you’re a lifelong animal nerd, a tired parent looking for a day out, or someone who just wants to see a baby monkey clinging to its mum—it’s kind of hard to beat Yorkshire Wildlife Park right now.
And who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of that little red heart shining in the sun.
