Two monkeys at Edinburgh Zoo celebrated their birthdays yesterday – with a feast of boiled potatoes.
Potatoes are a favourite delicacy of the zoo’s geladas, so keepers served up extra helpings at a joint party for five-year-olds Chibale and Chiku.
Chibale was born to mum Aurora on March 7, 2009, and his half-sister Chiku arrived three days later to mum Alice.
Both share a dad – Malachi, the group’s dominant male, who was on hand yesterday to prevent the festivities from getting out of hand.
Keeper Donald Gow said the pair were close pals so it was only natural for them to have a joint party.
“Despite having different mothers, Chiku and Chibale have bonded really well as they’ve grown up together and they were among the first of Malachi’s offspring to be born at Edinburgh Zoo.
“Having siblings that are close in age can be important for primates such as geladas as it gives them a playmate without wearing out the adults.
“It also helps to teach the youngsters their place in the complex social hierarchy of the group.”
Both are approaching adulthood but still have a playful side and can often be seen capering with their younger siblings and cousins.
“Chiku will often carry other youngsters around, practising for when she has young of her own to care for,” said Mr Gow.
“Chibale is especially close with his older half-brother, Chandu, and they often strut about the enclosure showing off – but only when dad Malachi isn’t looking.”
The gelada is an Ethiopian species of monkey. They are often mistaken for baboons.