IN A FIRST for Ireland, Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of an endangered drill monkey.

It’s the first of its species to be born at the Cork conservation facility as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme.

Drill monkeys are a rare primate species which are closely related to mandrills.

The baby male drill was born on 18 July at Fota Wildlife Park Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO / OSM PHOTO

Over the past 30 years, drill populations have declined by at least 50% and in the wild and they are found only in limited parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.

Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Ireland.

There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 drills remaining in the wild and this number is decreasing due to habitat loss.

The drill, born on 18 July, is the offspring of 9-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona.

Teresa Power, lead ranger at Fota Wildlife Park, said the birth is a first for Ireland.

Over the past 30 years, drill populations have declined by at least 50%. Michael O'Sullivan Michael O'Sullivan

“The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it’s a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species,” said Power.

Lewa, a first-time mother, is said to be doing an “excellent job”.

“She’s very protective, and the young male is nursing well,” said Power.

For now, Lewa and her baby, as well as a younger female drill called Banni, are being kept separate from the rest of the group.

“We’re hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year,” said Power, “and she’s already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa.”

Fota Wildlife Park plans to reunite the group once the baby is bigger and more independent.

Drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age.

Drills are powerfully built with large canine teeth and feature a range of colours such as lilac, blue, pink and purple on their rumps.

The young male is the offspring of 9-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO / OSM PHOTO

Meanwhile, Fota Wildlife Park is asking the public to help name the young male monkey.

People can enter their suggestions at www.fotawildlife.ie/blogs/news.

Participants will also be entered for the chance to win a year-long Conservation Annual Pass to the Park.

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100 animal species, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction in the wild.

The park also participates in Endangered Breeding Programmes for species such as the Asian lion, Indian rhino, Northern cheetah, and red panda, in collaboration with zoological organisations across Europe and the UK.