Critically Endangered Monkey Welcomes Baby After Life-Changing Surgery Saved Her Foot

In an uplifting development for wildlife conservation, Chester Zoo has announced the birth of a critically endangered roloway monkey named Lagertha, born to Masaya, a 15-year-old mother. This event comes just months after Masaya underwent a life-saving surgical procedure aimed at preserving her foot from amputation, marking a significant achievement for both the individual animal and the species as a whole.

The surgery, conducted in the summer of 2025, involved the removal of a “golf ball-sized” growth from Masaya’s foot, a condition that had persisted despite years of treatment. The detailed operation required collaboration between Chester Zoo’s veterinary team and specialists from the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital. Thanks to this complex intervention, Masaya retained all but one of her toes, enabling her to competently care for her newborn.

Experts at Chester Zoo highlighted the momentous nature of the birth. “The fact that Masaya’s foot has healed so well is a huge relief,” stated the zoo in a recent press release. They expressed concern that without the surgery, Masaya may have struggled with the responsibilities of motherhood, affecting not only her well-being but also the future of her species.

The plight of the roloway monkey is alarming, as fewer than 2,000 individuals remain in the wild, predominantly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Their dwindling numbers are largely attributed to habitat destruction and poaching, making every successful birth crucial for the species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature categorises these monkeys as critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts.

Chester Zoo is one of only two UK facilities that house roloway monkeys, and Masaya is considered an invaluable breeding female within the European conservation programme. Her journey to recovery from health complications began shortly after her arrival at the zoo in 2023, highlighting the institution’s commitment to the wellbeing of its animals and the broader conservation mission.

Veterinary officer Charlotte Bentley emphasised the uniqueness of Masaya’s case, stating, “It’s not every day you take a monkey to vet school.” Reflecting on Masaya’s resilience throughout her medical journey, Bentley noted the emotional investment involved in treating such a rare species.

Veterinary surgeon Rachel Burrow, who was instrumental in performing the complex surgery, described the procedure as a “last chance” to save Masaya’s foot. “Working with primates is completely different from my usual patients, who are typically cats and dogs, and it was a real privilege to care for such a rare animal,” she shared. The news of Masaya’s recovery brought immense satisfaction to the veterinary team, who were pleased to see the mother active and using her limb effectively.

The arrival of Lagertha carries not only personal significance for Masaya but also resonates with the ongoing efforts to conserve her species. As she tends to her newborn, the young monkey appears to exhibit signs of her mother’s tenacity, a hopeful indication for fans of the species.

Chester Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation is exemplified through its focused initiatives on preserving endangered species like the roloway monkey. The successful birth of Lagertha reinforces the importance of veterinary care, rehabilitation efforts, and breeding programmes in securing a future for endangered wildlife.

This recent event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the crucial role that institutions like Chester Zoo play in conservation efforts. With public awareness increasing around the conservation of endangered species, it is hoped that such initiatives will garner further support and promote sustainable practices that protect these animals in their natural habitats.

As Masaya and Lagertha thrive in Chester Zoo, their story highlights the remarkable connection between animal care, veterinary medicine, and global conservation efforts. The milestone underscores the significance of collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges faced by endangered species today.