angolan colobus monkey born at zoo atlanta

Zoo Atlanta celebrates the birth of an Angolan colobus monkey, born on February 6, 2021. The newborn is the offspring of Adanna and George and is the sixth infant born into the Zoo’s Angolan colobus troop, which now numbers 10 individuals.

The infant, which can be seen with its family in the Zoo’s Monkeys of Makokou habitat, is easily distinguished by its solid white color. Adult Angolan colobus monkeys are notable for their striking black coats; long, white mantle fur; white whiskers and beards; and white tails. The newborn will gradually acquire this distinctive coloration in coming months.

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new member to our colobus group. This is a very dynamic group that offers visitors an excellent opportunity to observe natural social interactions and infant care,” said Jennifer Mickelberg, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “This species also has a very important educational message about the many threats facing African wildlife.”

Native to forests, savannas and swamplands in middle Africa, Angolan colobus monkeys are currently classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their primary threats include habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat and skins. The species is considered sacred in west Africa because of its shy, aloof nature.

The infant may be seen with its mother, Adanna, or in the care of other group members, which is typical for Angolan colobus monkeys. In addition to its parents, the group also includes its grandmother, Lami; adult female Kinshasa; and siblings and half-siblings Gerri, Kito, Orlando, Zera, and Zuli. Learn more about their species or plan a visit at zooatlanta.org. Sightings of the new arrival are temperature-permitting, as the Zoo’s primate populations may not be in their outdoor habitats if temperatures are below 50 degrees.

Zoo Atlanta is open daily with new protocols and procedures in place to promote wellness, including timed ticketing; hand-sanitizing stations throughout grounds; and signage and other aids to encourage social distancing. Masks are required for ages 2 and up for general admission and all in-Zoo experiences.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
rdavis@zooatlanta.org
404.624.2812 – office
404.309.2238 – cell

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
404.624.5980 – office
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org

About Zoo Atlanta
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include giant pandas, including Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the only giant panda twins in the U.S.; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include the all-new African Savanna, featuring new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs, meerkats and rhinos, and Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art special event destination in the newly restored historic former home of the Atlanta Cyclorama. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.