COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- There's a new addition at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Staff announced Tuesday that an eight-day-old Hamadryas baboon is now on exhibit.
Zoo spokeswoman Lindsay Burke says staffers saw the female going into labor last week and were able to separate her from the rest of the troop while keeping them in view.
After allowing a day for mother-baby bonding, the rest of the troop was given access.
It's the second offspring from parents Imi and Makale as a pair. However the firstborn died soon after birth in April when Makale attacked and killed his offspring.
“The entire troop is doing well,” said Sue Pfaff, assistant curator of mammals. “The baby has been integrated into the troop, and both Imi and Makale are demonstrating excellent parenting behaviors.”
The last baboon born at the zoo was over two decades ago.
And the addition is just in time for the holiday season.
In addition to normal hours, the zoo is also open each evening from 6 to 9 p.m. for the annual Lights Before Christmas display.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
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