A CUTE and rare white monkey has been born at one of the UK’s zoos marking the site’s first animal birth of 2026.
The king colobus is an endangered monkey species native to coastal rainforests, swamps, and gallery forests of West Africa.
Paignton Zoo now has three baby monkeys on siteCredit: Paignton Zoo
King colobus monkeys are endangeredCredit: Paignton Zoo
Their striking white coat makes them easy to spotCredit: Paignton Zoo
The species has suffered due to habitat loss from forest destruction, as well as hunting.
Baby king colobus monkeys are born with a striking white coat, making them easy to spot clinging to their mothers in the early weeks.
This only lasts for about one to three months, before it changes to a black and white fur as they become adults.
A baby girl was born earlier this month to 23-year-old Ivy at Paignton Zoo, Devon.
\It marks a significant moment for the zoo, with a double baby boom after welcoming another endangered king colobus monkey earlier in the winter.
She joins Limba, meaning Paignton Zoo is currently caring for two king colobus infants within the same family group.
Ivy is also mother to Lola.
The pair were sired by Limbali, an unrelated male introduced to the group, but he tragically passed away weeks before Limba’s birth last year.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of a wider breeding programme that helps protect species like the king colobus,” said Nadia Gould, Team Leader of Mammals at Paignton Zoo.
“These births are the result of careful planning and years of collaboration between zoos, all with the aim of safeguarding the future of these animals.”
The Zoo’s Monkey Heights zone is now home to three babies in total.
King colobus infants were joined by Koidu, a Diana monkey born last summer dubbed the “miracle baby”.
“Having three babies in Monkey Heights at the same time has brought such a lovely energy to the zoo,” said Nadia Gould, Team Leader of Mammals at Paignton Zoo.
“Seeing visitors’ reactions when they spot them is always a highlight, and it gives us a great opportunity to talk about how endangered these species are and why breeding programmes like this are so important.”
And it’s not just Paignton Zoo playing a part in efforts to help safeguard the species.
Blackpool Zoo has also recently welcomed three King colobus monkeys.
The trio were all fathered by a King colobus called Bert.
“The birth of these three king colobus infants marks the first mammal arrivals at Blackpool Zoo this year and is an important step for the conservation of this endangered species,” said Luke Minns, Section Head at Blackpool Zoo.
