DES MOINES, Iowa — Officials announced another new addition to the Blank Park Zoo on Monday — a baby Japanese macaque.

The baby, a boy named Taro, was born at the zoo on June 17 to his mom Anika. With the birth of Taro, 46 macaques have now been born at the zoo since they were introduced in 1985. The zoo said Taro’s birth highlights its mission to save and protect wildlife.

“Each new birth is an opportunity for our guests to discover something new, connect with wildlife, and be inspired to take action to protect animals and their native habitats,” President & CEO of the Zoo Anne Shimerdla said. “Moments like this remind us all of the important role zoos play in conservation and education, and we can’t wait for our community to meet Taro and fall in love with this incredible species.”

According to the zoo, both Anika and Taro are doing well, but both will be monitored closely as Japanese macaques in the wild face high infant mortality rates of nearly 75%.

Visitors can see Taro and his mom Anika, along with the other macaques, in their enclosure east of the carousel.

To learn more about tickets and the many other new things this year, visit the zoo’s website.

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