Endangered Roloway Monkey’s Recovery from Surgery Leads to New Life

A 15-year-old roloway monkey named Masaya has given birth shortly after undergoing a complex surgical procedure that spared her from foot amputation. This operation, which took place last summer at Chester Zoo, involved skilled coordination between zoo veterinarians and surgeons from the University of Liverpool's Small Animal Teaching Hospital. They successfully removed a golf-ball-sized mass from her foot, preserving nearly the entire limb.

Before this procedure, there was no record of a similar surgery performed on a roloway monkey, making the intricacy of Masaya's case significant. The team managed to retain all but one toe, which is essential for her mobility and now crucial for her nurturing capabilities with her newborn.

Masaya's daughter, named Lagertha, has been a cause for celebration among zoo staff. Primate specialists note that the young monkey is already displaying personality traits reminiscent of her mother. "Masaya parenting magnificently," said Zoe Edwards, a primate keeper at Chester Zoo. "Lagertha, though tiny, is curious about her surroundings and our staff."

Dr. Rachel Burrow, who contributed to Masaya's diagnosis and surgery, reflected on the operation, stating, "This was a last chance to save Masaya's foot. Caring for such a rare animal was a privilege, and I'm thrilled that she is thriving post-surgery." The ability to use her foot fully is vital for her as she tends to her baby, emphasizing the operation's importance.

Lagertha is Masaya's third offspring and her birth holds considerable value given the species’ endangered status. With fewer than two thousand roloway monkeys remaining in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), every birth counts. Their habitats in Ghana and the Ivory Coast are increasingly threatened by deforestation and poaching, making the work at Chester Zoo essential for species survival.

Masaya arrived at Chester Zoo in 2023 with ongoing foot issues that had persisted since her introduction. Initial diagnostics, including X-rays and ultrasounds, indicated a possible abscess resulting from a prior injury. By 2025, with the swelling escalating, more advanced imaging led to surgical intervention in Liverpool.

Veterinary Officer Charlotte Bentley recalled the meticulous preparation for Masaya’s transfer to the vet school, ensuring all medical needs were accounted for. "Transporting a monkey is no small feat," she noted, underscoring the careful attention the team devoted to Masaya’s care.

Since the successful procedure, Masaya has recovered well, now enjoying life as a mother alongside Lagertha. This dynamic pair, along with four other monkeys, can be seen engaging in their habitat at Chester Zoo, contributing to a positive narrative for an otherwise precarious future for their species.

As Chester Zoo stands as one of only two places in the UK capable of housing roloway monkeys, Masaya's role extends beyond her immediate family and represents a crucial part of conservation efforts targeting this critically endangered animal. The momentum gained from her recovery and birth serves not only the zoo's mission but also highlights the importance of individual health in the broader context of species survival.

Materials provided by University of Liverpool. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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