Baby born at Zoo Atlanta

The stork stopped by Zoo Atlanta this month.

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

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.”

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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. 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. 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.

Cox Media Group