News Flash

Colobus gestation lasts approximately six months, and based on observed breeding behavior, staff had a general idea of when the baby might arrive. When Kivuli started showing signs of impending birth, zookeepers installed cameras and started “baby watch.” Footage revealed that Kivuli gave birth around 1:30 a.m. 

Mother and baby are both doing well. Kivuli is proving to be a very attentive first-time mom, providing the level of care keepers expect to see at this stage. Bobby, the father, is also protective, demonstrating territorial behavior of his troop and their space. The other female in the troop, Azizi, is also helping with baby care and will hold the baby for Kivuli for short periods.

Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker remarked, “We are very excited about the birth of this baby colobus monkey. Every birth is a significant achievement, and we are very proud to be able to add to the population of this charismatic primate.”

Interim Zoo Curator, Madison Brandon, added, "Kivuli is our shiest Colobus. With a lot of patience, her care team was able to build up her trust throughout her pregnancy. Kivuli now approaches keepers to accept food items, now toting baby along as well. Her favorite food items are mulberry leaves, avocado, potato, and primate biscuits." 

The Ballard Indoor Primate Viewing Gallery has been closed for the past week to give them time to bond in a quiet environment. The Gallery will reopen on Saturday, December 13, with limited hours of 2 – 5 pm to reduce potential noise and stress for the family as they adjust to public viewing with their new addition. The Zoo asks guests to be conscientious when visiting the colobus habitat by using quiet voices and calm behavior. Kivuli will continue to have access to her behind-the-scenes den throughout the day and may choose to remain out of public view. The family will not have access to their outside habitat until the baby is larger.

Colobus babies constantly cling to their mothers from birth, so the baby’s sex is still unknown. Veterinary and staff will do a brief exam once the baby is older take measurements such as weight and to determine sex. Naming the newborn will wait until after the sex is determined and caretakers get a sense of its personality. 

Black-and-white colobus monkeys are native to the forests and woodlands of equatorial Africa. They are sometimes called “skunk monkeys” because of their distinctive coloration. Newborn colobus monkeys are born totally white and gradually develop the black and white coloration of their parents. While their current IUCN conservation status is Least Concern, populations of these monkeys are declining in the wild due to deforestation and poaching for their pelts.

You can help support the new mother and baby by visiting the Sunset Zoo gift shop and purchasing an item off the enrichment tree.