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MONKEY MAYHEM

Millie the spider monkey celebrates her first birthday in style

This time last year everyone at the Isle of Wight Zoo was thrilled – and somewhat surprised - when Ella the spider monkey had a baby daughter. At 26 Ella was unusually old for a first-time mum, but proved to be fantastic at taking care of her baby, who has been a big hit with staff and guests alike.

Amazingly, a whole year has passed, and baby Millie celebrated her birthday on September 30^th. Having spend a year enchanting the zoo’s visitors, the keepers felt she deserved an extra special party. The fence around her enclosure was decorated with banners and balloons, leaving passers-by in no doubt that something special was going on. At noon she was given her birthday treats – cake and pina coladas, monkey style. 

Millie’s cakes were made of tropical fruits and monkey pellets, while the pina coladas were alcohol-free frozen concoctions of pineapple and coconut. And as Millie is still young enough to be clinging to her mother’s back, the whole family got in on the birthday treat. Indeed, Millie’s parents ate even more than she did!

Of course, the most important part of any birthday is being the centre of attention during the Happy Birthday song, and Millie was lucky enough to be sung to by a crowd of visitors. As a thank you, the zoo arranged for anyone adopting Millie that day to be given a special party bag as a memento of her first birthday.

The Isle of Wight Zoo is open until 31 October and weather permitting, weekends throughout November.  Admission rates:  £5.95 adults, £4.95 children (5-16 years) and seniors, free for children under 5 years.  Family tickets (2+2) £19.75. 

Isle of Wight Zoo
Yaverland Seafront, Sandown, Isle of Wight
PO36 8QB  
Tel: 01983 403883
www.isleofwightzoo.com