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Rare Mexican Spider Monkey Gives Birth At Palm Beach Zoo

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WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — A rare Mexican spider monkey has given birth at the Palm Beach Zoo.

The baby monkey was born overnight Friday, making it the first Mexican spider monkey known to have been born this year.

Zoo curator Jan Steele said Mexican spider monkeys are critically endangered, there are only 67 spider monkeys in zoos around the world. Thirty of those are in the U.S.

The baby has been clinging to his mother and zoo officials are keeping their distance for now. They still aren't sure of the baby's sex and haven't given him a name.

The zoo says it plans to hold a naming contest on its Facebook page in the near future.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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