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Hand-reared monkey is extra special

Nantu, the macaque born at Howletts
Nantu, the macaque born at Howletts

by Alex Claridge

This little chappie being hand-reared at a Kent wildlife park is believed to be the first monkey of his kind born in the UK.

Super-cute Nantu was rejected by his mum after being delivered by Caesarean section four months ago.

Keepers at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury are now raising him - while hoping to repair the bond between him and his mum.

During the day, the baby Hecks Macaque is kept in a special warm glass-fronted enclosure so mum Ully and dad Cimot can see him.

But at night lucky staff take it in turns to take him home - and feed him every two hours throughout the night.

Howletts primate Keeper Liam Shepheard said: "To my knowledge Hecks Macaques have never been bred outside of their native Indonesia, so raising him was a steep learning curve and far from ideal.

"But we felt it was important to give him a chance because he is unique."

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