Contact:  Robert Kemnitz
robert.kemnitz@louisvilleky.gov
(502) 238-5301

Louisville, KY (August 26, 2025) Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are proud to announce a historic achievement: the first-ever birth of a colobus monkey at the Zoo. This exciting arrival supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to protect endangered species and maintain healthy populations in human care.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 5-year-old female Ate (pronounced “ah-tay”) gave birth to a healthy infant. The newborn’s gender is still unknown, but both mother and baby are thriving. The father, 12-year-old “Dr. Sheldon Cooper,” along with other females Nali and Phyllis, are attentive and providing nurturing support, illustrating the impressive social structure of colobus monkeys.

“This birth is an exciting milestone for our Zoo as well as the culmination of a careful multi-year process,” said Dan Maloney, Louisville Zoo director. “We are thrilled to share this new addition with our community thanks to the dedication of our animal care team.”

Fascinating Facts and Family Dynamics
Colobus monkeys, native to the African rainforest canopy, are highly arboreal and rarely come down from the trees. One of their most remarkable behaviors is alloparenting, where females share in babysitting duties from the moment an infant is born. Already, Nali has stepped in to help care for the baby, strengthening social bonds and ensuring the newborn is well protected.

Infants play a vital role in colobus troop life, fostering unity and interaction among all members. This collaborative care system not only helps young monkeys thrive but also enriches the lives of the entire group.

From Snowflake White to Black-and-White
Visitors to the Zoo’s Colobus Crossing habitat are in for a visual treat. Colobus babies are born with a snowy white coat — a striking difference from the black-and-white coloration of adults. This early coloration helps mothers and babysitters spot infants in the dense treetops, though it also makes them more visible to predators. Fortunately, the baby’s coat will begin changing within weeks, and by six months, it will match the adult pattern. Within just a couple of months, they begin to explore their environment, navigating the treetops with increasing agility.

Colobus monkeys have several special adaptations for treetop living, including hook-like fingers but without thumbs, which makes leaping and climbing more efficient. They also enjoy a primarily leaf-based diet, supported by a complex digestive system, and are known for their distinct vocalizations used to communicate across the canopy.

Plan Your Visit
Now is an especially exciting time to visit the Louisville Zoo and witness this rare event. Guests may spot the newborn in both the indoor and outdoor areas of Colobus Crossing, where the troop’s playful interactions and cooperative care are on full display.

Zoo Hours:
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring/summer hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org.

###

About the Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.