Lincoln Park Zoo Seeks Public Name for Baby Monkey

Chicago families can vote on four name options for the new black-and-white colobus monkey through November 11.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector illustration of a young black-and-white colobus monkey sitting on a tree branch, featuring thick outlines and flat colors. — Lincoln Park Zoo is inviting Chicago residents to vote on four name options for its new infant black-and-white colobus monkey through November 11. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you enjoy participating in public naming votes for new zoo animals?

Lincoln Park Zoo is asking Chicago residents to help select a name for a baby black-and-white colobus monkey born this fall. The public can vote on four different options for the infant, whose parents are Oku and Nola.

Why it matters

Participating in naming initiatives allows community members to engage directly with the zoo's conservation efforts. This vote helps foster a local connection to the new arrival and the zoo's ongoing work in animal care.

The public can choose from four naming options: Moshi, Nuru, Ndogo, and Mbega. The voting process is currently open for the monkey, which was born at the facility on September 24.

The players

Lincoln Park Zoo

A historic Chicago institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and public education.

The details

The baby monkey, born to parents Oku and Nola, is a black-and-white colobus. Voters can select their favorite from a list of four names derived from East African languages. The zoo collects all votes through their online portal before tabulating the results for the official announcement.

September 24, 2026: The baby monkey was born at the zoo.
November 11, 2026: Voting closes at 11:49 p.m.
November 12, 2026: The zoo announces the winning name.

The Home Front

This naming initiative follows a pattern set by the zoo's public animal naming program, which allows residents to connect with new species arrivals. Such events are part of broader institutional efforts to increase community involvement in local conservation.

Chicago families can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo official website to cast their vote before the November 11 deadline. Keep an eye on the zoo's social media channels to see which of the four names is officially chosen for the baby monkey.

The takeaway

Engaging in zoo naming polls is a simple way for local families to support regional wildlife education. Ensure your voice is counted by visiting the official portal before the ballot closes at 11:49 p.m. on November 11.