New Arrival at Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta has announced the birth of a Schmidt's guenon monkey, a red-tailed species, at its Ford African Rainforest exhibit. The infant was born on August 6th to mother Bam, and visitors have already spotted the newborn clinging tightly to her. According to reports from a-z-animals.com and Yahoo News New Zealand, the baby appears to be happy and healthy.

First Baby for Bam and Nafis

This is the first baby for Bam and the male Nafis, who joined the zoo in November 2025. Both parents came to Zoo Atlanta following a recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The infant joins a family that includes older siblings Jack and Flynn.

Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta, expressed excitement about the new arrival. "We're excited to welcome Bam's infant to the Schmidt's guenon family and are looking forward to our Members and guests being able to experience the joy of watching this little one grow," she said.

About Schmidt's Guenons

Schmidt's guenons, also known as black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys, are native to the rainforests and woodlands of central and eastern Africa. Their range spans several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These monkeys are visually striking, with heart-shaped patches of white fur on their noses and long red tails.

One unique adaptation is their cheek pouches, which can expand to hold almost as much food as their stomachs, allowing them to gather food quickly and carry it to a safe place to eat. They typically live in family troops of 10 to 30 individuals, structured around a dominant male, and communicate through head-bobs, eyebrow movements, and dynamic calls.

Conservation Status

While Schmidt's guenons face threats from deforestation and poaching, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as a species of Least Concern. The species remains robust despite these challenges.

Viewing the Newborn

The newborn can be seen in the outdoor habitat that the guenon family shares with Angolan colobus monkeys. However, spotting the newborn may be tricky, as the presence of another monkey species can make identification more challenging.