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March 20.2026

2 Minutes Read

Pioneering Surgery Saves Critically-Endangered Roloway Monkey Before Birth

Mother monkey with baby in grass, photorealistic setting.

A Pioneering Surgery with High Stakes

In a groundbreaking procedure, the Chester Zoo veterinary team, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, performed the first-ever surgery on a Roloway monkey, Masaya, to remove a grapefruit-sized abscess from her foot. The stakes were high, as Masaya was weeks away from giving birth to her daughter, Lagertha. The success of the operation not only saved her foot from amputation but also ensured she could parent her newborn effectively.

The Conservation Significance of Roloway Monkeys

Roloway monkeys, native to West Africa, are critically endangered, with fewer than 2,000 remaining in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. Conservationists view breeding programs at facilities like Chester Zoo as vital for the future of this species. Masaya's surgery highlights the innovative approaches being employed to protect endangered wildlife while fostering meaningful connections to their heritage.

Behind the Scenes of the Operation

Masaya's journey to surgery began with recurring foot issues since her arrival in the UK in 2023. After a CT scan revealed the severity of her condition, the veterinary team sprang into action. The surgery adapted techniques typically reserved for domestic pets, underscoring the resourcefulness and dedication of the veterinary staff. Charlotte Bentley, a veterinary officer, described the diligence necessary for such procedures, emphasizing the unique needs of primate care.

The Miracle of Motherhood Amidst Adversity

Today, Masaya is reveling in motherhood. Not only did her successful surgery allow her to give birth, but it has fostered a nurturing bond between her and Lagertha. Zoe Edwards, the primate keeper, notes that Masaya is thriving as a mother and navigating parenthood magnificently. The sight of a happy mother and her baby monkey is a testament to the success of conservation efforts and medical advancements in wildlife care.

What This Means for Future Conservation Efforts

The successful surgery and subsequent birth of Lagertha provide a glimmer of hope for the Roloway monkey population. Experts believe that continued efforts in breeding programs are crucial to enhancing genetic diversity and stabilizing future populations. Furthermore, this success story may encourage more collaborative veterinary efforts to save other endangered species, proving that innovation in conservation can lead to significant outcomes.

Community Impact & Social Entrepreneurship

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Pioneering Surgery Saves Critically-Endangered Roloway Monkey Before Birth

A Pioneering Surgery with High Stakes

The Conservation Significance of Roloway Monkeys

Behind the Scenes of the Operation

The Miracle of Motherhood Amidst Adversity

What This Means for Future Conservation Efforts

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