KEY POINTS:
Hamilton Zoo is experiencing a baby boom with three capuchin monkeys born in the past three weeks and another two expected in the next fortnight.
Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said one capuchin, five-year-old Jessie, gave birth last month, while two more, 14-year-old Clarissa and 18-year-old Drucilla, gave birth this week.
Two more, 15-year-old Eva and six-year-old Diva, were both expecting in the next fortnight.
Mr Standley said the breeding frenzy was the result of an exchange with New Plymouth's Brooklands Zoo.
The two zoos had troops with many closely related members, meaning there was minimal breeding.
"This lack of breeding was having a negative impact on the troops, and included increased aggression and poor mothering skills where young females had been unable to learn through observation."
Capuchin monkeys originate from South America and are not endangered. They gestate for about five months.
- NZPA
