Quick Take
- Schmidt's guenons have a bizarre physical trick that lets them eat in two very different places at once, and this ability changes how they survive in the wild. Discover their cheek pouches →
- The parents' pairing was no accident. A deliberate behind-the-scenes decision made this birth possible. Meet the matched pair →
- Spotting the newborn at Zoo Atlanta is trickier than it sounds, because the family shares their space with another monkey species that can fool you. Find the hidden infant →
The arrival of a baby is always a special and joyous occasion. When that baby is a member of a vulnerable red-tailed monkey species, the occasion is even more special. Recently, Zoo Atlanta announced a newborn addition to its Ford African Rainforest. On August 6th, Bam, a Schmidt’s guenon monkey, gave birth.
Within a few days, visitors saw Bam holding her infant, who clung tightly to her. By all accounts, the baby appears to be happy and healthy. Read on to learn more about this exciting announcement, the origins of these red-tailed monkeys, and how you can spot the newborn at Zoo Atlanta.
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Schmidt’s Guenon Background
Also called black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys, Schmidt’s guenons are a type of red-tailed monkey found in the rainforests and woodlands of central Africa.
©semyon lorberg/Shutterstock.com
Schmidt’s guenons are a type of red-tailed monkey native to the rainforests and woodlands of central and eastern Africa. Their range spans several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. They are visually striking creatures, with heart-shaped patches of white fur on their noses and long red tails. Interestingly, their cheeks can expand to hold almost as much food as their stomachs, allowing them to quickly gather food and carry it to a safe place to eat.
In terms of habitat, these monkeys prefer areas with plenty of trees. Consequently, they typically live in rainforests, deciduous forests, and swamplands. They live in family troops that typically range from 10 to 30 individuals, although groups can sometimes be larger and are structured around a dominant male. Schmidt’s guenons are expressive and vocal, communicating through a wide range of head-bobs, eyebrow movements, and dynamic calls.
Although they face threats from deforestation and poaching, Schmidt’s guenons have remained a robust species. The IUCN classifies them as a species of Least Concern. They have shown resilience despite habitat loss and human interference.
Zoo Atlanta’s Newest Addition
Since its birth on August 6, 2026, visitors have seen the newborn Schmidt’s guenon clinging tightly to its mother Bam’s chest in the group’s outdoor habitat. Fortunately, it appears happy, healthy, and strong. This is not the first baby born to Bam; however, it is the first for Bam and the male Nafis, who joined the zoo in November 2025. Both parents came to Zoo Atlanta following a recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The yet-to-be-named infant guenon joins a family that includes mother Bam, father Nafis, and older siblings Jack and Flynn. Visitors are encouraged to try to spot the newborn. At times, the newborn can be seen in the outdoor habitat that the guenon family shares with Angolan colobus monkeys.
As Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation, explained in the announcement, the zoo is excited to welcome this new addition. She said, “We’re excited to welcome Bam’s infant to the Schmidt’s guenon family and are looking forward to our Members and guests being able to experience the joy of watching this little one grow.”
