CHON BURI — Khao Kheow Open Zoo is celebrating the birth of five squirrel monkeys, delighting visitors with the arrival of the tiny, tree-hopping primates ahead of His Majesty the King’s birthday holiday.
The zoo’s squirrel monkey population now stands at 23, with the newborns clinging tightly to their mothers in the Wildlife Wonderland zone. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy praised the successful births as a reflection of the zoo’s animal welfare standards. “The mothers are very protective, so the babies’ sexes haven’t been determined yet,” he said, adding that they will remain attached to their mothers for about a month.
Known for their small size, masked faces, and long tails, squirrel monkeys are a crowd favourite thanks to their agility and social behaviour.
The timing aligns with a special zoo promotion for Monday, July 28 — a national holiday marking King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday. Children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm will receive free entry.
“We hope families come to see our new additions,” Narongwit said. “These births show the success of our animal care efforts.”
The zoo has attracted international attention before, including last year’s viral birth of Moo Deng, a rare pygmy hippopotamus. With its growing animal family, Khao Kheow Open Zoo continues to charm local and international visitors alike.