A female baby Angolan colobus was born at the Lake Superior Zoo on July 16. This is the second birth since the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Angolan colobus Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. The baby is the offspring of Kero, 11 year old female and Kramer, 18 year old male.
According to Director of Zoo Operations Peter Pruett these are significant births for AZA facilities since the Angolan colobus captive population is aging with limited births in the past few years. The two offspring are the 5th and 6th born in 2013.
"It's always great to see cute fun babies at the zoo. However it's especially rewarding when they are part of AZA's effort to preserve captive and wild populations" said Pruett.
The young monkeys are beginning to interact with each other and can be seen on exhibit together, along with their parents. Both females take part in raising the young, sharing duties and responsibilities.
Angolan colobus are found in the Eastern region and Congo Basin areas of Africa. Their populations are considered stable with localized pressure from habitat destruction and the bush meat trade. Infants are born all white and weigh approximately one pound. After three months of age they begin transitioning to their adult coat, consisting of mainly long black fur with long white fur surrounding the face, trimming the tops of the shoulders and very tip of the tail.
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The Lake Superior Zoo is open daily this summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday. For more information go to the website www.LSZOO.ORG or contact the Lake Superior Zoological Society at (218) 730-4500. The zoo is located at 7210 Fremont Street in Duluth.
