Baby Monkey Yuji Clings to Plush Toy Surrogate Mother at Guadalajara Zoo
Yuji, a six-week-old patas monkey at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico, has captured public attention by clinging to a stuffed dog that serves as his surrogate mother. Weighing only 673 grams, Yuji was rejected by his biological mother, Kamaria, shortly after birth due to her inability to form a maternal bond. Consequently, he entered an assisted rearing program under the care of twelve veterinarians and biologists at the zoo’s Comprehensive Center for Animal Medicine and Welfare (CIMBA). His story draws comparisons to Punch, a Japanese macaque who gained viral fame for similar behavior. Currently, Yuji resides in a specialized crate where he receives round-the-clock supervision, bottle-feeding, and comfort from rotated plush toys to maintain hygiene. Veterinarians state that Yuji will remain isolated from other monkeys until he is weaned and transitions to an adult diet, likely around six months of age. While the narrative has sparked widespread affection on social media, it has also ignited debate among animal rights activists who argue against assisted rearing. Zoo officials defend the intervention as a critical life-saving measure, emphasizing that modern zoos play a vital role in protecting vulnerable species from global threats and providing second chances for survival.
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Baby Monkey Yuji Clings to Plush Toy Surrogate Mother at Guadalajara Zoo
Yuji, a six-week-old patas monkey at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico, has captured public attention by clinging to a stuffed dog that serves as his surrogate mother. Weighing only 673 grams, Yuji was rejected by his biological mother, Kamaria, shortly after birth due to her inability to form a maternal bond. Consequently, he entered an assisted rearing program under the care of twelve veterinarians and biologists at the zoo’s Comprehensive Center for Animal Medicine and Welfare (CIMBA). His story draws comparisons to Punch, a Japanese macaque who gained viral fame for similar behavior. Currently, Yuji resides in a specialized crate where he receives round-the-clock supervision, bottle-feeding, and comfort from rotated plush toys to maintain hygiene. Veterinarians state that Yuji will remain isolated from other monkeys until he is weaned and transitions to an adult diet, likely around six months of age. While the narrative has sparked widespread affection on social media, it has also ignited debate among animal rights activists who argue against assisted rearing. Zoo officials defend the intervention as a critical life-saving measure, emphasizing that modern zoos play a vital role in protecting vulnerable species from global threats and providing second chances for survival.
The Independent World