Endangered Monkey Gives Birth After Foot-Saving Surgery
A critically endangered roloway monkey named Masaya underwent pioneering surgery to remove a mass from her foot, avoiding amputation. Months later, she gave birth to a daughter named Lagertha, an important addition to a species with fewer than 2,000 individuals left in the wild. The successful surgery may help Masaya care for her offspring.
Masaya's medical history involved a persistent, hard-to-diagnose foot issue that began before her arrival at Chester Zoo in 2023. Despite extensive imaging and tissue sampling, veterinarians could only suspect a chronic abscess as the root cause of the mass.
The successful intervention, which preserved all but one toe, was a novel procedure for this species. As part of the European Endangered Species Programme, Lagertha's birth adds to a very small captive breeding population, with Chester Zoo being one of only two UK institutions housing these monkeys.
The successful surgery and subsequent birth could bolster conservation efforts for a species with a tiny wild population. By preserving Masaya's mobility, the procedure may enhance her ability to rear offspring, potentially increasing survival rates for captive-born infants. This case may also inform veterinary protocols for other rare primates, offering a viable alternative to amputation. Ultimately, the event highlights how specialized medical care can directly influence the genetic viability of endangered species.