A Schmidt’s guenon was born at Zoo Atlanta on August 6, 2026, the first offspring for a pairing recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to strengthen the species in accredited collections.
The infant was born to Bam, an experienced mother, in the zoo’s Ford African Rain Forest. Keepers report the newborn appears strong and is clinging tightly to Bam, who is providing appropriate maternal care. Visitors may spot the pair in their outdoor habitat.
A first for this pairing
Bam has had infants before. This is the first for her and Nafis, a male who joined Zoo Atlanta in November 2025. The AZA recommended the two be paired to contribute to the viability of the Schmidt’s guenon population in accredited zoos.
“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,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation.
The infant joins a busy household. Bam’s older offspring, Jack and Flynn, share the mixed-species habitat, as do Angolan colobus monkeys.
What a Schmidt’s guenon is
Schmidt’s guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti), also called red-tailed monkeys, live in rainforests, woodlands, deciduous forests and swamplands across middle Africa.
They are easy to pick out. They have heart-shaped noses, greyish-blue skin around the eyes, and long chestnut tails that can reach 35 inches. Large cheek pouches let them store food while foraging. Adult males weigh up to 10 pounds and females up to 8.
Not threatened, but not safe either
The wild population is stable, helped by the fact that the monkeys occupy several different habitat types across their range. That is an unusual position for an African rainforest primate, and Zoo Atlanta was careful not to overstate it.
Deforestation still costs them habitat, and the illegal bushmeat trade is a growing pressure on Schmidt’s guenons and many other African species.
“While this species is fortunate not to be classified as threatened in the wild, Schmidt’s guenons face many of the same threats faced by other African rainforest animals, and this infant will help us tell that story,” Ferrie said.
Zoo Atlanta is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and holds more than 200 species, including one of North America’s largest great ape populations.
