Colobus Monkey Born at Lincoln Park Zoo
Visitors can see the new arrival as it begins its transition from white birth fur to black adult coloring.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Wildlife
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Nola, a 7-year-old colobus monkey, gave birth to a male infant at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The newborn is currently covered in white fur, which is a characteristic trait that helps the troop keep track of infants among the adults.
Why it matters
This birth marks a successful milestone in the Guereza Colobus Species Survival Plan, which manages zoo populations to ensure the health of the species. Monitoring these growth stages offers unique insight into the development of primates native to equatorial Africa.
The infant was born on Sept. 24, 2026, to 7-year-old Nola and 11-year-old Oku. While the infant is currently white, it will begin shifting to its black adult coat in 6 weeks, reaching full adult coloring by 6 months.
The players
Lincoln Park Zoo
A historic Chicago institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and public education.
Guereza Colobus Species Survival Plan
A collaborative program that manages the population and breeding of this primate species across zoos.
The details
Colobus infants are born with white fur to make them highly visible to their troop in dense forest environments. Over the first few months of life, the infant will gradually replace this coat with the species' signature black adult fur. As the infant matures, it will eventually grow a tail that can reach up to 35 inches in length.
Timeline
June 2026: A colobus monkey birth occurred at Woodland Park Zoo.
Sept. 24, 2026: Nola gave birth to a male infant at Lincoln Park Zoo.
The Home Front
Managed breeding programs like the Guereza Colobus Species Survival Plan are essential to maintaining genetic diversity in captive populations. This birth follows the established protocols of the program to support long-term wildlife health and sustainability.
Visitors to Lincoln Park Zoo can observe the infant's color transition over the coming months. Plan your visit soon to see the white-furred infant before it fully transitions to its black adult coat.
The takeaway
Wildlife development stages, such as the white-to-black coat transition in colobus monkeys, highlight the importance of captive breeding management. Keep this development timeline in mind if you visit to track the infant's growth over the next six months.
Further reading
Learn more about local animal conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Discover Magazine.
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