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Competition to christen recently-born monkey, a drill species, at Port Lympne Reserve

What’s the best name for this cute baby monkey?

Port Lympne Reserve has launched a social media campaign for members of the public christen this male drill.

Competition to christen. What should this baby monkey be called?. Picture by David Rolfe.
Competition to christen. What should this baby monkey be called?. Picture by David Rolfe.

The infant, whose species is related to baboons, was born at the end of last year.

Keepers have already come up with ideas for names but are struggling to make a final choice.

The new baby drill monkey at Port Lympne.
The new baby drill monkey at Port Lympne.

Adrian Harland, animal director, said: “The latest addition to the drill troupe is very cute and is developing under the tender care of his mother and aunts.

“We’ve chosen a selection of names and thought it would be nice to get our visitors to choose their favourite via our social media pages.’’

The shortlisted names will be posted on the Reserve’s Facebook page and followers will be encouraged to vote for their favourite.

What's the best name to christen Port Lympne's new arrival?
What's the best name to christen Port Lympne's new arrival?

Drills, from Africa, are among the most endangered primate species in the world.

Their numbers have been decimated by illegal hunting and deforestation.

It is estimated that there are less than 3,000 left in the wild.

The new baby drill monkey with his mother at Port Lympne Reserve.
The new baby drill monkey with his mother at Port Lympne Reserve.

Mr Harland said: “It’s a sad fact that drills are critically endangered. Interestingly, one of the major factors in their decline is mining for coltan (a metallic ore), widely used in mobile phones.

“We’re all very proud of our work with these primates and it’s wonderful for Port Lympne to be a home to a strong breeding troupe.’’

Members of the public have until Friday to pick a name and it can be done through Facebook on www.facebook.com/portlympne or via Twitter on @PortLympnePark.

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