Zoo Holds Naming Contest in Celebration;
Winner to Receive Behind-the-Scenes Tour!

Born on November 27, 2009, a snowy white Kikuyu colobus monkey was a welcomed holiday surprise for the Los Angeles Zoo! The gender of the furry primate has yet to be determined, but at birth it weighed about a pound and measured around eight inches long.

Because breeding is closely monitored to comply with the Species Survival Program (SSP) and the L.A. Zoo's colobus monkeys are genetically well represented in North American zoos, the mother was placed on implant contraceptives in October 2008. They were meant to be effective for a period of two years, which is why this adorable baby was such a surprise for the Zoo!

Found throughout the forests of central Africa, the colobus is one of the most striking primates in the animal kingdom. Adult Kikuyu colobus monkeys have black bodies trimmed with long white mantles. Infant colobus monkeys are born all white and do not start to get their black trim until about three and one half months of age.

Colobus monkeys live in highly cohesive social groups. Thus, the infant is enjoying attention from its father, mother and another adult female. Check out their interactions with their newest troop member at their exhibit located just past the Zoo's Mahale Cafe toward the perimeter road.

In celebration of the birth, the L.A. Zoo is inviting visitors to participate in a naming contest for the newborn! Through January 11, 2010, visitors can fill out a card with their contact information and name suggestion at the colobus exhibit, roundhouse exhibit number 44 on Zoo maps! Zoo staff members will review the names and select the winner. The name will be announced on the Zoo's website on Monday, January 18, 2010. The individual who submits the winning name will receive a free behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo for up to six people!

This is a great time of the year to visit the L.A. Zoo. Through January 3, 2010, come celebrate the holidays at Reindeer Romp, where patrons can visit Santa*s reindeer and enjoy other festive activities! Also, lasting through January 10, 2010, visitors can skate their way through the holidays on the Zoo*s first ever skating rink (for a nominal fee)!