Reid Park Zoo is now home to a playful new primate species. A troop of three Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys named Alan, Charlie, and Ziggy can now be seen at a habitat located next to the Zoo’s Conservation Learning Center. The species, native to the rainforests and woodland of central and eastern Africa, is known for its long red tails, white noses, and expressive faces.
“The monkeys have been introduced to each other and are settling in well. They are already a crowd favorite,” said Adam Ramsey, Director of Animal Care. “Their distinct personalities are apparent. One of the monkeys is very cautious, while another has taken on the role of a social mediator. It’s been interesting to watch their bonds develop.”
Alan, the only male, is the largest of the three monkeys and has the longest tail. He is the most inquisitive, and loves engaging with his enrichment. He is very respectful of Charlie and especially Ziggy who is more hesitant in her interactions.
Charlie is Alan’s sister. She looks similar to Alan, but is smaller with a skinnier face and less prominent cheeks. “Charlie is our trouble maker,” Tori Miller, Assistant Curator of Animal Care – Carnivores and Primates, said. “She loves to get into things and cause a ruckus for keepers.” Charlie spends time with both Ziggy and Alan, and acts as a buffer when she can tell Ziggy may be feeling anxious.
Ziggy has a rounder face, a short tail, and hunched back. She’s the oldest member of the troop, and the most subordinate. She’s cautious in new situations and hasn’t fully warmed up to Alan yet, but she has a sweet dynamic with Charlie.
Although Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys are currently listed as “stable,” their populations are declining in some areas. The primary threat is habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agriculture, logging, road construction, and human settlement. As forests shrink, encounters between humans and monkeys increase, often leading to conflict.
You can support Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys in the wild by shopping sustainably. Supporting sustainable forestry practices, such as choosing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified products, can help protect the forests these monkeys depend on. Maintaining connected forest corridors is especially important for keeping troops connected and healthy.
Reid Park Zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see the new trio as they play and frolic.
