Summary
Yuji, a baby patas monkey born at Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico, was rejected by his mother and is now being cared for by veterinarians. He clings to a stuffed dog that acts as a substitute mother while he grows and receives special care.
Key Facts
- Yuji is a 6-week-old patas monkey weighing about 673 grams (1.4 pounds).
- His mother, Kamaria, was unable to care for him after birth, so zoo staff stepped in.
- Yuji lives in a special care center at Guadalajara Zoo under close supervision.
- A stuffed dog serves as Yuji’s comfort and acts like a surrogate mother.
- He is bottle-fed fortified milk and has not yet been introduced to other monkeys.
- Yuji will join other monkeys once he transitions to eating fruits and vegetables, possibly around 6 months old.
- Assisted rearing is a method used in zoos to help animals that are rejected or need extra care.
- Yuji was named after a character from Japanese manga.
