It’s the perfect excuse for a visit.

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of a baby black and white colobus monkey, born on January 8th to mother Kimani and father Tom.

The baby’s gender is still unknown but its aunties and big sisters have been observed sharing babysitting duties, ensuring that Kimani gets a well-deserved break as she tends to her newborn.

“The new baby is white in colour at the moment, but its coat will change to black and white just like the adults as it matures.” said lead ranger, Teresa Power.

Photo Sinéad Donnachie

“We now have a few babies in this group, as this youngster joins two older sisters and a half-brother, Colin, who was born to mum Freya last year. Our visitors can see that Colin is getting more independent from Freya each day. Since the birth of the babies, Tom, their father, has been relocated to the UK as part of a breeding program.”

“The new baby colobus monkeys are showing a natural curiosity towards our resident Meerkat mob, often sitting closely with them on the ground, showcasing the vibrant and interconnected ecosystem of Fota Wildlife Park.”

Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park can catch glimpses of our playful Colobus monkey family either through the viewing window of their house or as they frolic outside, located conveniently just inside the Park’s main entrance.

Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Black and white colobus is popular for its unique pelt and coat and has been hunted for centuries. It is also threatened by agricultural developments and timber production within its native habitats.

Animal feeding times at Fota Wildlife Park will recommence daily from Saturday, March 16th and run until the October mid-term holiday. The schedule includes the ever-popular Cheetah run and twice-daily feedings of the penguins.