Baby Schmidt’s guenon monkey born at Zoo Atlanta

ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta welcomed its newest animal with the birth of a Schmidt’s monkey this weekend. The baby, whose name has not been announced, was born June 1.

The new addition is the second child of parents Bam and JJ. Guests are encouraged to come see the family, including brother Flynn, born in 2022, at the zoo’s Makokou Monkey Complex.

“Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome Schmidt’s baby monkey,” Gina Ferrie, PhD, vice president of collections and conservation, said in the release. “We can’t wait to watch this baby grow and help us tell this story, and we’re excited to have this new person supporting AZA’s growing population.”

The species is not endangered, but it faces similar challenges to species that are, according to the release. The population is largely stable, as it is found in several African habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, deciduous forests and swamps. But their habitats are threatened by deforestation.

Additionally, Schmidt’s monkeys are one of many species threatened by the illegal bushmeat trade, which overexploits animal populations for human food. In fact, JJ, the baby monkey’s father, was orphaned by the bushmeat trade, according to the statement.

Schmidt’s monkeys are also known as red-tailed monkeys. Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys, red-tailed guenons and black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys.

Monkeys are characterized by large cheek pouches used to store food while foraging and are distinguished by their long, brown-colored tails, which can be up to 35 inches long. The species also features a heart-shaped nose and distinctive grayish-blue coloring around the eyes. Males can weigh up to ten pounds and females up to eight pounds.