Two births marked the life of the park in 2025, but also that of the animal teams, committed on a daily basis to the protection of endangered species.
A baby spider monkey, then a baby giant anteater, joined the zoo's big family. Two happy events, but above all two concrete advances for conservation, within the framework of European species protection programmes.
A small brace with a red face born on August 23, 2025
On August 23, 2025, a small female spider monkey was born at the Martinique Zoo.
Her mom, Ali, and dad, Stone, are part of the group of harbors staying at the park. An expected birth, closely monitored by the trainers, and experienced as a great victory by the whole team.
The Spider monkey is a species classified as Vulnerable. In the wild, it is subject to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and hunting. Each birth therefore represents an additional hope for the survival of the species.
From its first hours, the little monkey has remained attached to its mother, as required by the natural behavior of the species. This mother-infant bond is essential for braces. It conditions the learning, safety and good development of the young primate.
The red-faced spider monkey: a threatened and protected primate
The red-faced stele lives mainly in the canopy of tropical forests in South America. Very agile, it moves thanks to its long arms and its prehensile tail, a true fifth limb.
This species plays a key role in the tropical forest. By feeding mainly on fruits, it actively participates in seed dispersal and in the regeneration of forest ecosystems.
But today, its future is fragile. The disappearance of primary forests is drastically reducing its natural habitat. This is why the red-faced spider monkey is part of a European breeding program (EEP), coordinated at European level. This program guarantees genetic management of populations in zoological parks.
“The birth of this little female at the Martinique Zoo is much more than a happy event: it is a real victory for our animal experts who work every day that God does for the conservation of the species.”
Jimmy Limousin — Director of the Martinique Zoo
A baby giant anteater born on September 30, 2025
Barely a month later, the Martinique Zoo experienced another exceptional birth.
On September 30, 2025, a baby giant anteater came into the world, born to Zylia, the female, and Mahiri, the male, both housed in the park.
The giant anteater is an impressive and discreet species at the same time. Its birth in the zoo is a rare event, as the reproduction of this species remains delicate.
From birth, the little one settled on his mother's back, where he will spend several months. This behavior is typical of giant anteater and allows the young to remain protected while gradually discovering their environment.
If you don't see it during your visit, don't worry. The mother probably settled in the shade of bushes or in her space to offer a little freshness to her little one
The giant anteater: an endangered species
In the wild, the giant anteater is classified as Vulnerable.
It is threatened by habitat destruction, forest fires, traffic collisions, and poaching. A solitary and discreet animal, it depends on vast territories for food, mainly ants and termites.
However, the giant anteater plays an important ecological role. By regulating insect populations, it contributes to the balance of soils and natural environments.
Like the red faced spider monkey, the giant anteater is part of an European Protection Program. These programs coordinate births, avoid consanguinity, and maintain healthy populations in zoos, while supporting species conservation in the wild.
The birth of this baby giant anteater at the Martinique Zoo is therefore a very positive signal for the future of the species.
“Each birth is a huge reward for the whole team. Seeing this little tamanoir grow here is proof that our commitment makes sense.”
Sabine: animal caretaker
Two births, one commitment
These two births were not the result of chance.
They are the result of long-term work carried out by the expert and passionate animal teams, veterinarians and scientists of the Martinique Zoo, in close collaboration with the coordinators of European programs.
Each animal is monitored individually. Living conditions, food, environmental enrichment and well-being are at the heart of priorities. The objective is not only to welcome animals, but to participate actively in their preservation.
Seeing the birth of a red-faced spider monkey and a giant anteater in the park, in the same year, is an immense reward for the work carried out by the park team.
An essential role in raising awareness
Beyond the birth itself, these events also have a strong educational impact. They make it possible to explain to the public why certain species are threatened, what are the dangers they face, and how zoos are taking concrete action.
And the story goes on. Every day, at the Martinique Zoo, healers and teams continue this discreet but essential work, so that more good news can, tomorrow again, see the light of day.
Follow us on social networks, we will soon launch a vote for the choice of first names. So log on to Facebook or Instagram now.
“You only protect what you love, and you only love what you know.”
Jacques-Yves COUSTEAU
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If you want to meet our babies at the Zoo, you can book your tickets here
The Martinique Zoo is open 7 days a week, even on Sundays and public holidays from 9 am to 6 pm.
Last admission at 4:30pm