Masaya, a critically endangered roloway monkey, successfully gave birth after surgery preserved her foot, marking a significant event for the species.
A critically endangered roloway monkey named Masaya has recently given birth just months after undergoing a pioneering surgical procedure that saved her foot from amputation.
At 15 years old, Masaya resides at Chester Zoo and faced serious health challenges when a mass the size of a golf ball was discovered on her foot. The veterinary team collaborated with specialists from the University of Liverpool's Small Animal Teaching Hospital to perform a complex surgery aimed at removing the mass while preserving as much of her foot as possible.
Notably, there was no documented precedent for this type of surgery on a roloway monkey. Fortunately, the operation was a success; Masaya retained all but one of her toes, allowing her to maintain normal movement.
Months later, Masaya has celebrated the birth of her daughter, Lagertha. According to primate experts at Chester Zoo, this new arrival is already displaying traits reminiscent of her mother.
Rachel Burrow, a veterinarian and lecturer at the University of Liverpool, who was involved in both the CT scan and surgery, expressed her relief at the outcome. "This was the last chance to save Masaya's foot before amputation," she remarked. "It was a privilege to care for such a rare animal, and I'm thrilled to see her recovery has been successful—she's active and using her limb effectively."
The ability for Masaya to use her foot normally has significant implications for her ability to care for her offspring. "Masaya is an experienced mum and is doing a fantastic job," said Zoe Edwards, a primate keeper at the zoo. "Lagertha is very curious about her surroundings and engages with both the habitat and us.”
The Importance of Lagertha's Birth
Lagertha is Masaya's third daughter, making her birth particularly valuable given the precarious future of the roloway monkey species. "Chester Zoo is one of only two locations in the UK where these monkeys are found," Edward noted, emphasizing Masaya's importance not just within her family but to her species as a whole. There are only a few breeding females across European zoos, making every successful birth crucial.
As reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), fewer than 2,000 roloway monkeys are left in the wild, primarily in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Their survival is threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Thus, the health and reproductive success of individual animals like Masaya have wider implications for the species' survival.
Masaya's foot issues predate the operation and had plagued her since her arrival at Chester Zoo in 2023. Multiple diagnostic tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds, failed to pinpoint the underlying cause, leading the veterinarians to suspect a persistent abscess possibly stemming from an old injury.
By 2025, the situation had escalated, prompting a decision to transport her to Liverpool for advanced imaging. Charlotte Bentley, Veterinary Officer at Chester Zoo, shared insights from that experience: "It's not every day you take a monkey to vet school. We had to prepare thoroughly, bringing everything necessary for her care.”
Following the detailed CT scan, the team agreed that surgery was the best option. "She’s been an absolute trooper throughout the process," Bentley added, expressing gratitude for the chance to help Masaya.
Masaya’s recovery has been remarkable, and today, she and Lagertha can be observed together at Chester Zoo alongside a small group of other monkeys.
Lagertha, whose name honors a Viking queen, signifies a hopeful future for a species that faces significant challenges. This addition to the roloway monkey population reinforces conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these rare animals.
Materials provided by University of Liverpool. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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