Baby Guereza colobus born at the Saint Louis Zoo

A male black and white colobus monkey, also known as Guereza colobus, was born at the Saint Louis Zoo on Feb. 3, 2020. The baby, named Teak, can be seen with his large family at the Primate House during regular Zoo hours. The name was chosen by staff in reference to the beautiful tropical hardwood tree. Two of Teak’s siblings also have tree-themed names. The birth is part of the AZA Colobus Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program to manage a genetically healthy population of black and white colobus monkeys in North American zoos.

Colobus infants are born with all white hair and a pink face. In contrast, adults are primarily black, with white hair encircling their faces and half of their tails.

Baby Teak will stay with mom, Cecila for nursing and sleeping, but at times throughout the day, it’s common to see Teak’s sister Willow, 3, as well as his half-sister Binti, 6, interacting with and carrying the baby while mom eats or interacts with other members of the family. Also in the troop are brothers Hawthorn, Ziggy and Simon, ages 2, 4 and 5. Thirteen-year-old Kima, the father, can be seen watching stoically over his family and interacting with the youngsters.
📷& 🎥: Ethan Riepl, Primate Keeper Less