A Primate Baby Boom is Happening at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

By Rachel Nelson

Tampa, FL - Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is home to more than a dozen species of primates featuring a variety of some of the world’s most interesting apes, monkeys and prosimians. In the last two weeks, three primate groups grew a bit with the births of a red-tailed guenon, siamang and Angolan colobus. All three are members of the Zoo’s Species Survival Plans (SSP), cooperative conservation and breeding programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure the survival of designated wildlife species.

A baby red-tailed guenon (also known as Schmidt’s spot-nosed guenon) arrived Wednesday, August 26. Second time mom, “Njano,” and the yet unnamed male baby are doing well. With this birth, the Zoo has a total of eight guenons representing two species, Wolf’s and red-tailed. The small primates (approximately 6-8 pounds when full grown) were initially found as bushmeat trade orphans in the markets of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The guenons adjusted very well to their home at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, where they enjoy a large exhibit with climbing structure, ropes and swings to stimulate natural behaviors.

First time siamang mother “Haddie,” gave birth on Saturday, August 29. The gender has not yet been identified, so the animal is not yet named. Father “Cyrus” has lived at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo since fall of 1988 and previously produced one offspring with another female in 1993. Siamangs are the only monogamous primates, with a social group consisting of a mated pair and their immature offspring, if present. Siamangs are best known for their unique “song,” a series of barks and calls that can last for up to 20-25 minutes and be heard for long distances several times a day. Within the song, the male and female have their own parts, which is known as dueting. The siamang is the largest of the species of gibbon, categorized as lesser apes.

An Angolan colobus was born to experienced mother “Kema” on Thursday, Sept. 3. The gender has not yet been identified, so the animal is not yet named. Colobus monkeys are easily identified by their glossy black fur, with white markings on the cheeks, throat, shoulders, tail and sometimes chest. Interestingly, when infants are born, they are completely white in color. Within a few months their coats turn grey and black, then to the adult coloration of striking black and white. After giving birth, colobus monkeys share the responsibility of holding their young, and the entire colobus family (eight animals, not counting baby) is welcoming the new addition with open arms.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo participates in 40 SSPs designed to maintain healthy, self-sustaining captive populations, support field research and habitat protection, and educate Zoo guests.

About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and has been named the No. 1 zoo in America by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking is free. Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for information. Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

To view Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-29-Tampa's_Lowry_Park_Zoo